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THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

JULY 1, 1902

NUMBER 1 1

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

James Sprunt Historical Monograph
No. 3.

Letters of Nathaniel Macon, John Steele and William

Barry Grove, with Sketches and Notes

by Kemp R Battle, LL.D.

PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY
CHAPEL HILL, N. C.

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
CHAPEL HILL

INTRODUCTORY

Tln> James Sprunl Monograph No. 3 consists of letters, not
heretofore published, from Nathaniel Macon, John Steele and
William Barry Grove, written at various times from 1A92 to
1824, with copious notes explanatory of the allusions therein.
The originals are among the papers of General Steele, which
were transferred to the University of North Carolina in accord-;
ance with the will of the widow of David L. Swain, once
Governor and President of the University, The letters of
General Steele are copies retained by him and in his hand-
writing. I prefix short sketches of each of the writers, and
of James Hogg, to whom some of the letters of Mr. Grove were
addressed. There will be found also a letter of Colonel Jo-
seph McDowell, of Quaker Meadows, in reply to one from
General Steele.

Kemp P. Battle.

NATHANIEL MACON

Nathaniel Macon, of Huguenot descent, was born in Warren
county, North Carolina, in December, 1757. His father, Gid-
eon Macon, was a prosperous farmer, and his mother, Priscilla,
daughter of Edward Jones, was of the best and oldest families
of Warren. He was at Princeton University (then College of
New Jersey) when the Revolutionary war broke out, left col-
lege and enlisted as a private, but resigned from the army by
advice of General Greene, when he was elected to the General
Assembly. He served as Senator 1780-'81-'82 and 1785 and
'86; after that, giving place to his brother John, who was an
esteemed Senator and Commoner for fourteen years. In 1791
he took his seat as Representative in Congress and was con-
tinuously re-elected until 1815 when he was transferred to the
Senate. He was Speaker of the House 1791 to 1806. His ser-
vice as Senator continued until 1828 — for three years, 1825,
1826 and 1827 being President pro tempore. He thus had
thirty-seven years of continuous service, elected with little op-
position. Virginia voted for him as Vice-President in 1824.
His leaving the Senate in 1828 was on account of the infirmi-
ties of old age. He thereafter resolved to lead a quiet life but
was drawn from his retirement to serve in the Constitutional
Convention of 1835, of which he was unanimously elected
President. His last public work was as Elector on the Van
Buren ticket of 1837. His death occurred the same year,
June 29th.

His Congressional career, together with others of his let-
ters, and additional particulars of his family and private life,
are given in the James Sprunt Historical Monograph No. 2.
In politics he was a very strict construction Republican, a

JAMB8 Sl'KlM III l <>KICAL MONOORAPH8 5

Crawford man and a Democrat bul hi- occasionally refused t<>
follow his party when in his « >i>inion it deviated from the
straight path. He was a Trustee ami warm friend «>t his
State University. The strictness of his integrity in private

equalled that of his political life.

JOH]N STEELE.

John Steele, who, on account of having- been elected by the
General Assembly to the highest post in the militia, is usually
called General Steele, was born in Salisbury, North Carolina,
in 1765.. He was the son of William Steele and Elizabeth, his
wife, the latter being- known in history for a most praise-
worthy act in the darkest hour of the Revolution. On the
1st of February, 1781, Gen. Greene spent the nig-ht at her
house. Dr. Read, who had charg-e of the American hospital
at Salisbury, called to see him. Said the General: ''I have
ridden hard all day in the rain. I am fatig-ued, hungry, lone
and penniless." Mrs. Steele overheard the words. She went
to her hiding- place and brought out two bag's of specie, all
she had, the savings of years, and gave them to him, saying:
"Take these, you will need them. I can do without them."
It was in her parlor that the picture of George III was hang-
ing-. Gen. Greene turned the face to the wall and wrote on the
back, "Oh, George! hide thy face and mourn!"

John Steele, the son of this most excellent woman, was a
merchant and a planter. He represented the borough of Salis-
bury in the House of Commons in 1787 and 1788, and in the
Conventions called to pass on the Constitution of the United
States in 1788 and 1789. His vote in both was given for the
Constitution, which was ratified November 2\ 1789.

Mr. Steele was chosen to be one of the first members of the
United States House of Representatives, and took his seat
April 19th, 1790. Hugh Williamson had preceded him on
March 10th, John Baptist Ashe on the 24th of the same
month, Timothy Blood worth on the 6th of April, and John
Sevier, from across the mountains, did not appear until the
16th of June.

.IAMKS Sl'KlM HISTORICAL MO.V NiKAI'HS 7

General Steele VU .1 warm admirer of President Washing-
ton but not an unquestioning supporter of all the administra-
tion measures. In common with liis colleagues he opposed
Hamilton's plan of the assumption by the Union of all the
debts of the States contracted for gaining our independence,
believing that it was impossible to adjust the account equita-
bly, As might be expected he voted lor the location of the
seat of government on the Potomac. In 1791 be supported
the bill tor establishing- a national bank, the constitutionality
of which w.is fought so earnestly by Jefferson, Madison and
their followers. Sevier agreed with him, but Ashe, Blood-
worth and Williamson were on the other side. On the ques-
tion of reduction of the army he was earnestly in favor of the
measure, making- strong- and elaborate speeches, endeavoring
to show the superiority of militia over regulars. His motion,
however, did not prevail. Of his colleagues Ashe, Grove and
Macon were with him on this question, Williamson against
and Sevier absent. On the resolutions of censure of the Sec-
retary of tlie Treasury, lie voted uniformly, with Williamson,
in opposition to Ashe and Macon, in Hamilton's favor. Grove
favored one of the resolutions.

Mr. Steele's course in moving- to reduce the army, being-
perverted into indifference to the suffering-s of the frontiers-
men from* Indian hostilities, probably caused his defeat for the
3rd Congress. That he was appreciated by the State at large
is shown by the fact that he was elected by the General As-
sembly Major General of Militia, and also at a later period,
1806, a Commissioner, with Montfort Stokes, afterwards Gov-
ernor, and Robert Burton, who in 17tt7-'ss was a member of
the Congress of the Confederation, to adjust the boundary line
between North and South Carolina. For this purpose the
commissioners chose as their scientific expert. Rev. Dr. Joseph
Caldwell, President of the University of North Carolina.
Their action was ratified in 1813.

In 17%, by the appointment of Washington, he undertook the

msible duties of first Comptroller of the Treasurv. and

8 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

held this position until 1802 with such acceptability that he
was requested by President Jefferson to continue in the office.
He determined however to resign, chiefly on account of un-
willingness to be separated from his family and similar un-
willingness, to remove them to Washington.

It has been mentioned that he was a member of the House
of Commons from the borough of Salisbury in 1787 and 1788.
He was again a member in 1794 and 1795, also in 1806, 1811,
1812 and 1613. In 1811 he was Speaker of the House. He
was again elected a member of the House on the 14th of
August, 1815, but died on the same day.

General Steele married Mary Nesfield, of Fayetteville, N.
C, whose ancestors emigrated from Dublin, Ireland. She
survived him many years. They had three daughters, Ann,
who became the wife of General Jesse A. Pearson, an uncle of
Chief Justice Richmond M. Pearson; Margaret, who married
Stephen L. Ferrand, M.D., and was grandmother of John
Steele Henderson, late a representative in Congress from
North Carolina, and thirdly, Eliza, wife of Colonel Robert
MacNamara.

General Steele was universally recognized as a man of
sound judgment and loftiest integrity. He was in all respects
a model citizen.

WILLIAM BARKY GROVE.

Wm. Barry Grove, although once a prime favorite with a
large and intelligent District and for twelve years a member

of Congress, has almost disappeared from our history. As his
family many years ago removed to the West or Southwest,
their residence not being- known, no information has been ob-
tainable from them. Mr. Edward R. McKethan, a prominent
lawyer of Fayetteville, and Mr. Allan A. McCaskill, an aged
and very intelligent citizen of Cumberland, enable me to give
a few facts of his history.

His mother married Robert Rowan, who gave the name to
Rowan street in Fayetteville. His stepfather appointed him
as one of the executors of his will and devised to him a lot of
ground on that street. His residence was that of his step-
father, the colonial mansion at the corner of Rowan and
Chatham street. It was a notable structure for that day, its
situation on a hill, with the basement of brick, giving it a
striking appearance. Mr. McCaskill remembers that its su-
periority to the other houses of the neighborhood was such as
to remind him of an old baronial castle. It has long ago dis-
appeared but the ground is called the Grove lot to this day.
Mr. Grove dispensed a bountiful hospitality. The town was
on one of the main lines of travel between the South and the
North, Members of Congress, journeying, many of them on
horseback, to and from the seat of government, often found it
cofevenient to become his guests, the duration of the visits
beittg limited only by the will of the guests.

As his stepfather devised to his mother his plantation, called
Rollybrook, it is probable that he inherited it. At any rate
his style of living showed that he must have had other in-

10 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

come than the receipts of his profession, that of the law, and
his per diem as Representative.

Of the early life of Mr. Grove we know nothing-. We first
hear of him as in 1784 Register of the County of Fayette (as
Cumberland was called by act of Assembly of that year, soon
to resume her first name). His popularity is proved by his
election to the House of Commons in 1786, 1788 and 1789. In
1788 he was likewise a delegate to the Convention called to
consider the Constitution of the United States, and voted with
the minority against the resolution to postpone it. He was
sustained by his constituents, and the next year was elected a
member of the Convention of 1789, as well as of the General
Assembly. In this Convention he was one of the 194 against
77 which made North Carolina a part of the Union. He
also succeeded in having- the State constitution of 1776
amended so as to make Fayetteville a boroug-h town, en-
titled to a member in the House of Commons, aswereFden-
ton, Newbern, Wilming-ton, Halifax, Hillsborough and Salis-
bury. He had two years before induced the General Assembly
to constitute Fayetteville a district court town, in which su-
perior courts were held twice a year for several counties.

Mr. Grove's popularity was such that he was easily elected
to the first Congress and continuously thereafter until he went
down in 1803 before the irresistible Republican party. He
was thus a member of the House of Representatives of the
United States during the most critical period of the new gov-
ernment. He served during most of the administration of
Washing-ton, all of that of Adams and two years of Jefferson.

He was in the main a supporter of the measures known to
be approved by the Federal leaders. On questions reg-arded
as of peculiar interest to the South he voted with his section.

He opposed the bill giving- bounties to the great Great
Bank and Cod Fisheries. When Washington vetoed the bill
to apportion representatives, because not in accordance with
the Constitution, he sustained the President. He naturally
favored the law for the restoration of fugitives laves, and did

JAMBS SPRUN'I HIMolUCAL MONOGRAPHS 11

not favor the proposal to levy duties on tobacco and su
Be opposed the increase of our navy for the A.lgerine war.
En the dispute with (irr.it Britain, which led up to Jay's
Treaty, he favored the non-Intercourse measure, and notwith-
standing its unpopularity in North Carolina, voted for carry-
ing into effect the provisions of the treaty. In this he was
conspicuous for courage, as with him were only three mem-
bers smith of the Mason and Dixon line, all the other South-
ern members siding with Madison and other opponents of the
treaty. He gave his vote for the direct tax, and for appro-
priating a sum sufficient to finish the frigates Constellation,
United States and the Constitution, (old Ironsides). He gen-
erally sustained President Adams. He voted for protection
to our commerce, and establishing- a naval department. In
contemplation of a probable war with France he favored rais-
ing- a provisional army. He showed more courage than polit-
ical discernment when, alone, of all the members from his
State, he voted for the Alien and Sedition laws. Other meas-
ures supported by him are the suspension of Intercourse with
France, the prohibition of the slave trade, mausoleum to "Wash-
ington, and the repeal of the Sedition law. He opposed the
the repeal of the act authorizing the appointment of addition-
al judges, usually called the "Midnight judges/' also the ad-
mission of Ohio as a State, and the receding to Virginia and
Maryland of jurisdiction over the District of Columbia.

The foregoing statement shows why* Grove, like Davie and
other able and patriotic Federalists, was unable to withstand
the overwhelming forces of Jeffersonian Republicanism.

Grove's political career, was closed after losing his seat in
L803. He however did his State much service as an active and
efficient worker for its University. It shows his high rank in
the public confidence, that, when in 1789 in its charter were
named as Trustees forty of the most eminent citizens who
had already attained, or were destined to attain, the highest

positions as Governors. Senators, Judges, Representatives in
Congress, and the like, Grove was one of the number. He

12 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

held this office until 1818, probably the date of his death, and
was always ready to give the struggling institution wise and
ready aid. President Caldwell was in the habit of consulting
him about the appointment of Professors, and the purchase of
books and apparatus for instruction. On the whole he was
an honorable, intelligent and highly respected servant of the
people.

AMKS HOGG.

James Hogg was no politician and never aspired to, and

probably would never have accepted, public office. He was,
however, one of the most influential men of his day, and his
descendants have been, and are now, most honorable and use-
ful citizens.

He was a native of East Lothian, Scotland, and resided in
that section until after bis marriage and the birth of several
children. He then removed to a farm leased by him in the
parish of Reay, near Thurso. He was made a Justice of the
Peace and, by his activity in the detection and punishment of
crime, then very prevalent in the Highlands, he incurred the
bitter enmity of the natives. In the autumn of 1770 a ship
was wrecked on the rocks in sight of his home, and, as in duty
bound, he displayed great energy and pluck in saving the
goods from the wild wreckers, who claimed the ancient right
of pillage. A company was formed to murder him. His
home was broken into and finding that he was absent the mal-
efactors burnt it. Nothing daunted he did not rest until the
perpetrators were brought to justice. He then determined to
emigrate to North Carolina, where some of his relations had
preceded him. After much stormy weather and consequent
delay he landed in Wilmington in 1774. By his persuasion a
goodly number of his neighbors accompanied him, among
them, the Straughans, or Strayhorns, Craigs, and McAuleys.
He settled first at Fayettville, as a merchant, carrying on bus-
iness at that town and Wilmington, in conjunction with his
consins, Robert and John Hogg.

During the Revolution he took the side of the colonies and
served during the war <»n the Committee of Safety, travelling
on one occasion to Connecticut on public business.

14 THE UNIVECSITY BULLETINS

After the war he continued his mercantile pursuits for
some years, and then concluded to retire from business and
devote himself to agriculture. He purchased a plantation of
1160 acres on both sides of Kno river near the corporate limits
of Hillsboro, and for some time resided on the north side of
the river in what is now called "the Old House," in the beau-
tiful park of the late Paul C. Cameron. He then in 1880
built him a home on the south side and named it Poplar Hill,
for many years afterwards the residence of the Norwoods,
now the model farm of Julian S. Carr, called Occonechee.
There are still on the place ornamental trees and shrubbery
of his planting-.

Mr. Hogg- was one of the picked men of the State — forty in
number, selected in 1789 to carry into effect the mandate of
the Constitution of 1776 requiring- the establishment of the
University. In those days of wretched roads and few bridg-es
travelling was attended with numerous discomforts, but he
was one of the most punctual and active Trustees. He was
at the first meeting on the 28th of December, 1789, and at the
second in November, 1790, when; as agent of General Benja-
min Smith, he presented to the Board warrants for 20,000 acres
of land to be located in West Tennessee, whenever the Indian
title should be extinguished. He also answered to the roll-
call in August 1792 and doubtless voted with the majority,
for Cyprett's Bridge over New Hope in the county of Chatham,
as the centre of a circle thirty miles in diameter, within which
the University should be located. "When one commissioner
from each Jucidial District was balloted for to select the site,
he was elected, the others being Wm. Porter, John Hamilton,
Alexander Mebane, Willie Jones, David Stone, Frederick Har-
gett, Wm. H. Hill. On November 1st, 1792 he met at Pitts-
boro five of these commissioners, Hargett, Mebane, Hill, Stone
and Jones. After inspecting various points in Chatham, they
fixed on Chapel Hill, the owners of the land generously donat-
1080 acres.

Mr. Hogg's interest in the University did not end here. He

JAMBS SIMMVI H1STOKKAI, M< >N< H\U APHS 15

assisted tin- young institution by his ririse counsels in ti
lection «>i its professors, the adoption of its curriculum and
starting on it-> career of usefulness, until his resignation in
[802, which was caused by a paralytic stroke, under which he
lingered until bis death in 1805.

The family name of James Bogg, which is said to mean in
Scottish, a year-old lamb, is not amom; his descendants.
Those wore the days of rough jokers, who spared not age nor
dignity. Annoyed by witticisms on boars, pork, shotes, pigs,
hams, sausages and other hog" products, in allusion to him-
self and his children, he applied successfully to the General
Assembly to change the last name of his sons Walter and
Gavin, to Alves, their mother's maiden name. He said that
his daughters had power to change their own names and
hence they are not found in the Act of Assembly.

He was a member of the great Transylvania Company, of
which Judge Richard Henderson was President. This com-
pany assumed to buy of the Cherokee Indians an immense
brad of country, part of the present states of Kentucky and
Tennessee. The states of North Carolina and Virginia de
dared the sale illegal, but each allowed the company 200,000
acres by way of compromise. Some of the descendants of Mr.
Hogg left the State and settled in Kentucky on part of this
purchase.

The wife of James Hogg was McDowal Alves, daughter of
Alexander and Elizabeth (Ingles) Alves. Of their children
Walter and Gavin Alves were successively Treasurers of the
University and the former was also Secretary and Trustee.
Walter Alves was Commoner of Orange county in 1793,
*94 and *95. He married Amelia Johnston, daughter of an-
other member of the Transylvania Company, a merchant of
Hillsboro.and settled near Henderson, Kentucky, said to have-
been named after John Henderson, who married his daughter.
There are many descendants of Walter Alves, five of whom
in the first quarter of the late century, were students of the
University of North Carolina.

16 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

Of the daughters of James Hogg all changed their names.
Elizabeth married John Huske, leaving two children, John,
from whom are descended the Huskes of Fayetteville, promi-
nent among whom was the late Rev. Joseph Caldwell Huske,
D.D., and Anne Alves, the wife of Mr. James Webb, of Hills-
boro, from whom came many excellent citizens. Helen, the sec-
ond daughter, married Wm. Hooper, son of the signer of the
Declaration of Independence of the same name, and had a son,
William, who became a prominent professor of Ancient Lan-
guages and Baptist preacher. She married a second time,
Rev. Joseph Caldwell, D.D., President of the University for
thirty years. They had no children.

Robina married Judge William Norwood, and left a numer-
ous and influential posterity, among them Rev. Wm. Norwood,
D.D,, of Virginia, the sound lawyer John W. Norwood, of
Hillsboro, Colonel Wm. Bingham, Colonel Robert Bingham,
and Major Wm. Bingham Lynch.

On the whole, considering the good he did in his day, and
the incalculable beneficial influence of his descendants, it may
well be doubted whether our State has ever had a more valu-
able citizen, than James Hogg.

LETTERS.

Gen. Steele to Col, Jos. McDowell:

Salisbury Novemr. 20th, 1794.
Sir:

I have been informed by several persons that dur-
ing the late Superior Court at Morganton, you took
the trouble to circulate a variety of objections against
my conduct, while acting- in the capacity of a Repre-
sentative in Congress.

What purpose these objections were intended to
answer or what motives produced them are equally
immaterial, the public manner in which they were
mentioned entitles them to some notice. This can
only be done at present by requesting that you will
do me the favor to particularize in writing such parts
of my public conduct as amount in your estimation to
a dereliction of the interests of the State which I then
represented and particularly what authorized you to
saj that I was not a friend to the western parts of
North Carolina.

In doing this, let nothing be kept back, for scruti-
ny is desirable where motives are pure and actions
virtuous.

Truth which is due to an enemy, as well as a friend
is all I require, and if you have been imposed on by
misinformation in regard to me, I will venture to be-
lieve, that your candour, upon being better informed
will induce you to acknowledge it. In the mean-
time however I cannot help lamenting, that you or
any representative of North Carolina should be
Willing to receive impressions unfavorable to a citi-
zen nf your own State, from the report of mere
Strangers, while Mr. Macon and Mr. Grove were
present, from whom the truth, and all that the truth

18 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

might have been obtained. These gentlemen are in-
dependent of all parties, they must recollect that the
Representatives of this State were unanimous on the
motion to reduce the army as amended by Dr. William-
son, and in opposition to the extention of the indian
war, they remember also the reasons which influenced
these two votes, and on their report I intend to rest
this part of the business.
Copy of a letter to Col. Jo. McDowal, inclosed to Mr. Grove.

1 These first two letters throw light on the first letter of
Macon, which follows.

All the letters are printed with the spelling-, etc., of the
orierinals.

Col. McDowell to Gen Steele. *

philedelphia Jan.-12th-l795.
Sir

I received your letter the contents of which I have
attended to and as to what you mentioned that should
have fallen from me at Morganton at the September
terme, I recollect perfectly that when in conversation
with the Judges & Some of the attorneys, when poli-
tics were the subject of conversation, and the parties
in Congress mentioned and the part that different
Characters had taken & you among* others, I recollect
mentioning that you were considered by a great num-
ber of the Members from the Southern States and by
those from Pensylvania & Virginia in perticular, to
have joined the aristocratical party, stating that
when you first came forward and perhaps for the first
Session you were strongly opposed to the 2 Secre-
tary of State, & to certain men and measures, but that
they had by some means they could not account for
got you to join their party and that after which you
advicated their Char actors & Cause more streneously
than you had at first opposed it I not ready at first
to credit this report but when so repeatedly stated, I
began to suppose there was some truth in the asser-
tions,

and as to what I mentioned respecting your
Conduct towards the frontiers, that I took from the

JAMBS 8PRUNT HISTORICAL MONO |«»

assertion of Mr. Dayton of Jersey in the Bouse which
was not contredicted i>\ any person and further it w\
mentioned to me in privet by Mr Clark who brought
forward the resolution, for calling forth the Mehtia
for the protection ol the Southwestern frontiers to
act on thedefencive or offencive — whicli I found yon
Voted against and was told yon exerted yourselfe in
argument against which I < 1 i < I not think so much of as
your ster Conduct as Stated by Mr. Dayton ''in
the House — when he Called up your Conduct and stat-
ed that you argued and acted differently when the
galeries were Open than what you did when they
were closed, and further Stated your — Calling up sev-
eral letters. Charging the Conduct of the people on
the frontiers and that assigned & exposed their con-
duct to the extent, and that you stated you well knew
the Whites were as much if not more to blame than
the Indians and mentioning your having a General
knowledge of their transactions but how you acquir-
ed that knowledge I am at a loss to say, but admit-
ing it to be the fact — Such an account of the Conduct
on the frontiers must opperate strongly against pro-
tection being granted them as you well knew the Op-
position which generally exists with Eastern States

and I do asure you I want to have been frend-
ly enough to have wrote you respecting the — manner
in which Mr Dayton araigned your Conduct, but ex-
pecting MrGrove or Mr Macon would as you and them
was in the habit of corresponding with you, the in-
fermation and report of your conduct made such im-
pressions on my mind as I conceived to be my duty to
make it known and in that way that you would heare
of it, but as to my mentioning many people or tak-
ing pains to do it is wrong and as to what you men-
tion about Motives you Sir nor no other Man under
heaven has a right to call in question as I have given
proffs Sufficient to the world —

the inclosed paper will give you the news —
I am Sir

\our most Humble Servant
Jos McDowi i.i.

GenL

John Steele —

20 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

NOTES.

1 There were two Joseph McDowells. The writer of this
letter was known as a "Quaker Meadow Joe," the other, his
counsin and brother-in-law, being- "Pleasant Garden Joe."
The first was major at Cowpens and King's Mountain, often
a member of the General Assembly, a member of the Consti-
tutional* Convention of 1788, and a representative in Congress,
1788-'95 and l797-'99. In 1797 he was a commissioner to run
the dividing line between North Carolina and Tennessee. He
died August 11th, 1801, aged forty-five. — a strong Republi-
can.

Joseph McDowell Jr., of Pleasant Garden, was a physician, a
captain at King's Mountain; member of the Constitutional
Convention of 1788, and of the General Assembly.

2 As Jefferson was Secretary of State it is probable that Col.
McDowell meant to write Secretary of the Treasury (Hamil-
ton).

3 Jonathan Dayton, of New Jersey, — officer in the Revolu-
tionary army, delegate to the Constitutional Convention of
1787; Representative l791-'99; Speaker of the House, l795-'99.
A friend of Aaron Burr and suspected of being privy to his
conspiracy in 1807.

Nathaniel Macon to John Steele.

Philadelphia Deer, llth-1794,1
Sir

Your letter of the 22d ultimo 2 addressed to 3 Mr.
Grove, which was intended as well to myself as him,
has been shewn me together with its enclosures. The
speecli was delivered during my confinement the date
of Clarks motion 4 will plainly shew you this, and I
am really sorry that it is not in my power for that
reason to say a word on that subject or to sign the
certificate agreable to your desire, Although I was
not present when you made the speech, I remember
perfectly well, that you, Grove and myself agreed
that the motion, which occasioned it, was a very im-

.IAMI> 11,1 NT HISTORICAL M< >Noou.WMls 1 1

portant one, and thai we agreed in >entimen1 on the
subject, and .is \w!i I recollect the speech contains
the substance of our conversations on the subject <>i
the motion, except that I thought the constitution
would not warrant the giving such power to the Pn
[dent, though I could not have made the observation
in the house tor a reason before mentioned. <>n a bill

Of a similar nature last session I made objections of
the same kind. Indeed I am certain, that 4J never
shall consent to give such a power to any President

Grove and myself have examined the journal for
the message of the President which you want, Hut
have not been fortunate enough to find such a one,
the other papers he will send you

It appears to me that proper reflection and time will
convince every one, that you have deserved well oi
the State, It is said there are 5 two parties in Con-
gress, But the fact I do not positively know, if there
are, I know that I do not belong to either, But what
is strange to tell, and at the same time must be a con-
vincing proof that you acted independently, is, that
there is good reason to believe that neither of these
parties are desirous to see you here again —

With sentiments of respect and esteem
I am Sir

Yr most Obt Sert

Nathl Macon
Genl. Steele

NOTES. .

1 The seat of government under the present constitution was
for the first \ ear 17S«)-'«>n at New York, then at Philadelphia
until 1800, then removed to Washington City.

2 We have not a copy of this letter.

"•Win. Barry Grove, a sketch of whom may be found on

ding pages.
* It seems that Steele was accused of having joined the
14 Aristocratic party." Also that on Clark's resolution for call -

■ut the militia for the protection of the Southwestern

frontiers. Steele was in the opposition and was alleged to

have Said that the whites were as much to blame a$ the In-

22 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

dians. Of course it was charged that he was not a friend to
the people of the West. He seems to have applied to Mr.
Macon to set him straight.

4 Abraham Clark, whooffered the resolution was in the Con-
tinental Congress l776-'82; in that of the Confederation l787-'8
and Representative in Congress of the United States 1791-'94.

The Presidential powers considered by Mr. Macon to be
dangerous were such as the exclusive authority to issue pass-
ports to those going beyond the Indian boundary line, to re-
move by force those attempting to settle west of the line, to
give redress to those injured by the Indians.

5 Historians are generally of the opinion that the advocates
of a strong government and those jealous for States' Rights
were in opposite camps before December 1794, Hamilton the
leader of one and Jefferson of the other. Mr. Macon evident-
ly means that these parties were not yet organized openly.

Macon to Steele.

1 Buck Spring 15 Septr— 1802
Sir

2 Mr. T, has returned f r >m Peterburg and delivered
me the enclosed I hope it will be deemed satifactory
to the gentlemen of the turf in and about Salisbury —
I have nothing worth telling you, I live almost too
retired for the neighbourhood news, I send to War-
renton now & then for the news, and what is old to
most others is new to me

I had like to have forgotten to have told you that I
have a grandson, a stout and hearty looking fellow

We have generally pretty good crops of Corn, to-
bacco will be rather short both as to quantity &
quality, but as some have planted a good deal of Cot-
ton this may probably nearly balance the deficiency
in the quantity of tobacco, I mean as to value

This is Friday though I am not sure what day of
the month, I have guessed the 15th

I saw 3 General Davie to day who appears to be in
in good health

I have only a word more, which is an important one

I'KI N I III l> >KI< Al. MdVii.li MMIS 88

both to you A me, and will no little interest the feel-
ings ni some of my friends neat you, which is this.
That you will with the consent of your family Leave

home on your return to Washington so as to sta\ .1

dav with me I would rather ask lor a week or a month
but this I fear would not be granted, one day ia

little as could be asked, yet I know it is much for you
& your family to grant; If it shall he convenient for
you to make this trip, ]>ray write me when I may ex-
pect you, — We have some races I believe in Novem-
ber at Warrenton, perhaps you could take them in on
your way, if so I will advise unless it should be ad-
vertised in the papers the day

I have written this in some haste

I am Sir yrs. sincerely

Nathl Macon
(Mr. Steele)

These are the Weights agreeable to the New Mar-
ket Rules of racing

three Year Old to Carry 86 lb
four Ditto Ditto 100
five Ditto Ditto 110

Six Ditto Ditto 12<>

Seven Ditto Ditto 130
Sterling Gary-
Keeper of the Course

Septr. 10. 1802

NOTES.

'Buck Spring was Macon's plantation, a few miles from the
County seat of Warren County.

2 The trade of Warren County was, in Macon's day, trans-
acted in l'etershurg, Virginia.

"Mr. T." is probably James Turner, who was a private
with Macon in the Revolutionary war. lie was Governor of
North Carolina. I802-'Q5, and United States Senator, 1805-
1816. He had a large plantation in Warren and raised race-
horses. His son, Daniel Turner was a Representative in
Congress, l827-'29. Daniel's wife was .1 daughter of Francis
S. Key. A daughter of Governor Turner married George 1

24 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

Badger, a Judge and U. S. Senator. Macon also raised
horses and patronised the turf.

3 General Davie was Wm. Richardson Davie, ex-Governor
and a special Commissioner to France together with Chief
Justice Oliver Ellsworth and Van Murray. Their embassy
averted war. DaAie was called Father of the University of
North Carolina. He was defeated for Congress in 1802 by
Willis Alston.

Steele to Macon; (a copy).

Dear Sir,

I thank you for your two favors concerning the
weights to be carried by running horses. The certifi-
cates will settle all disputes. Our Judges have con-
cluded to fix the same for each day. Between fifteen
and twenty horses are in keeping for these little
purses. It diverts me to see how much the passions
of men can be excited in competition even for trifles.
There are few things, my friend, I do assure you
which could afford me greater pleasure than to pay
you a visit in .Warren :-but in my present circumstan-
ces it is totally impracticable. Since the last of
Augt. my family has been so much indisposed "(Mrs.
Steele of the number) that I have not in my power
to make any arrangements in my private affairs pre-
paratory to their removal to the seat of Government,
and it is too irksome to live there as I have done for
some time past without them. Thus circumstanced
I have found myself under the necessity of relinquish-
ing (for the present) the intention of returning. The
mail which carries this carries also a letter to the
President requesting him to accept my resignation.
After the sickly season 2 shall have passed, my plan
is to amuse myself with improvements in agriculture,
and as my principal business to resume a course of
general reading which my appointment six years ago
interrupted. These will fill up my time to the ex-
clusion of politicks, and with them I trust every pas-
sion which could disturb a virtuous and tranquil re-
tirement. I have done justice to my feelings by
assuring the President "that I am duly sensible of

jambs am 1 1 in hohogh urn 26

ins polite treatment and that in future it cannot bu1
be .1 source of pleasing and grateful reflection to me
to have been invited by him to continue in the ( >ffi< i
'Phis alludes t«> ;i letter which he bad the goodness to

write to me last summer before the recess «»t tin- I.
ecutive in answer to mv application for leave of ab-
sence. The greater part of my letter to tin- Secty.
of the Treasy. is on business. It contains the follow-
ing paragraph.

"In conducting, for six years past, the business oi
an office distinguished lor the labor and responsibility
Which it imposes mv first object has constantly hem
fidelity to the public, the second, a respectful deport-
ment towards those with whom it was my duty to
maintain official intercourse. It will afford me no
sin. til degree of gratification to understand that I
have succeeded in these to your satisfaction."

Mr. Macon.

1 Salisbury and its neighborhood were for many years much
afflicted with malaria. The existence of a large mill-pond
was thought to have been the guilty cause. The great im-
provement in health since its abolition points to the truth of
the theory.

Grove to Steele.

Fayetteville Oct. 1st 1802
My Dear Sir

I returned yesterday from Hillsboro where I went
on the 6th Sept. with Mrs G on a visit to her friends,
on my return I found in the Post office your favor qj
the 16th ult. which gave me the first information of
your return home, altho' I made inquiry after you
while in Orange. I hope your family have recovered
since you wrote, & that you continue to enjoy good
health in your native clime tho' Salisbury is loosing
its reputation of being healthy.

From your letter cm the copy of the one to the head
of your Department, which you done me the favor to
inclose for my perusal, I perceive with regret that

m have new cause to be dissatisfied with your sit-
uation in the Govt.

26 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

As soon as I read the report of the Investigating,
discriminating- & criminating- Committee, I could not
help seeing- the deep cut made at the Former Treas-
ury Depart. From the temper and Views of the
majority of the Committee, it was to be apprehended
they would seize on every Possible case to injure the
feeling- & reputation of the former Administ. but
from the Examination & report of the Committee of
the session before last, on the Treasury Depart, I did
suppose the new investigation would find little to add,
as to that branch of the Government, but in the spirit
of the times, they have wisely and economically dis-
covered, that for want of their legal and saving con-
struction of the acts of Congress, monies have been
disbursed without an act of appropriation, of course
these monies should be refunded, & they the Com-
mittee appointed as a Standing- Board of expounders
— ! — The contempt mixed with indig-nation which
that late Report excited in me induced me to think,
that the men of sense and decency of their party
would condemn it, as a crude, partial, & ignorant pro-
duction— & that tho' they mig-ht for political reasons
wink at its censure, I did not presume that the head
of any Depart, would sanction & adopt the report as
the rule of their office — I am really sorry to find there
is reason to believe it otherwise, & that the present
Head of the Treasury in the case of l Woodside is dis-
posed to g-ive a new construction to the Law, so as
to produce a clashing of opinion Between your Judge-
ment & former decisions, and his own — If this dffer-
ence of opinion on the meaning of Law, arises alone
from the. honest & impartial Judg-ment of the Sec-
retary, or is unconnected with any other cause or
motive than a desire to construe Laws fairly, I can
not think it should add to your inducements to leave
the Department — of this you alone can best judge-
But while you are permitted to act and think inde-
pendently on your own judgment and sentiments,
& are treated with that delicacy and attention due to
your success, your character & your situation, I most
earnestly wish you to continue in office — If this is not
the case, I know you too well, to suppose you would
act with any set of men.

We have no news here, and were it not for the rail-

.IAMKS BI'KI'NT HISTORICAL M< >N( M iK AIMIS 27

inga and abuse of Duane, Cal lender, &c. against
each other, we should find the papers dull, but th<
fellows unfold some things worth knowing respecting
the falsehood St knavery which has been going on
among them, & are fulfilling two things, that Dog
will cat Dog; and thai when rogues fall out honest
men come to their right.

I am wr\ certain you join me in regretting — sin-
cerely regretting the fate of poor 4 Spaight. He has
fallen a sacrifice to his own violence of temper, for he
might have adjusted his dispute with honor, without
going to extremities.

Flour will probably continue about 5 to 6$ — Cotton
from $12 to 15$ per cwt, picked — 3 to 3>2 per cwt. in
seed — and indeed I fear that all kinds of produce -will
be low compared to late years — 5 Shells are generally
to be had here at ]4> to }id per Bushl. —lime is dearer
& scarce.

Mrs Grove desires to be united with me in a tender
of our best respects to yourself, & Family, and par-
ticularly to Miss Ann

Believe me My Dear Sir

With real esteem & regard

Yrs Sincerely
(John Steele Esq) W. B. Grove

NOTES.

1 Decision of Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury, relating to
drawbacks on sugar.

3 William Duane, from 1795 to 1822 editor of the leading
Democratic paper, the Aurora, of Philadelphia.

3 Thomas Callender, convicted by the influence of Judge
Samuel Chase for passages in his pamphlet, "the Prospect
before us," which were construed to be libellous under the
Sedition law. President Jefferson pardoned him.

4 Ex-Governor Richard Dobbs Spaight, killed by John
Stanly in a duel. The Federalists, as a rule, sustained Stanly.
The Republicans declared that Spaight was in the right and
that Stanly (a Federalist) was a murderer. Stanly was
pardoned by Governor Benjamin Williams. The quarrel
occurred in their canvass for Congress.

5 Oyster and other shells were, at that date, bought in bulk

28 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

and buraed for lime. They were hauled by wag-on from
Fayette ville to Chapel Hill for that purpose.

Macon to Steele.

Buck Spring 10 Octr. 1802.
Sir

Yours of the 30 ultimo has been received, and it is
with real sorrow that I learn of your determination
to resig-n. The reason which produces the resigna-
tion is surely a cog-ent one, but I think it probable
that the season is approaching which will restore
your family to health, and then you might with con-
venience have removed them to Washington; The
office of Comptroller is surely among the most impor-
tant in the U. S., especially as it relates to revenue;
besides this, the settling- accounts with foreigners, is
one in which both the interest and honor of the nation
are concerned; nor can I close this sentence without
repeating- my sincere regret at your resignation; who
will be your successor I cannot even guess, no doubt
many may be found willing enoug-h to accept the
office who know nothing of the duties; and I devout-
ly wish that a successor1 may be found, adequate in
all respects to the office; I know from the best
authority that the President was highly pleased
with your conduct, but I am repeating what I have
before told

The hot fog-gy weather has injured tobacco in some
instances by moulding- it, The crop will not be large,
nor of extraordinary quality, Cotton it is said prom-
ises well, The crop of corn is generally g-ood

I wish more than ever to see you, but God alone
knows when this will be, Had I the time to spare I
would take a trip2 to Salisbury

I am with perfect respect

Sir yrs. sincerely

Nathl Macon.
(Mr. John Steele

Now at Salisbury
No. Carolina)

NOTES.

1 Steele's successor was Gabriel Duval, who was Comp-

\\B 10

broiler until 1811, He was .1 Representative in Congress 17<M-
96, then Judge of the Supreme Courl of Maryland. In 1811
he was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of the United
States and hold the office until 1836.

By the travelling- methods of thai day a journey to and
from Salisbury took about ten days, provided there were no
freshets in the Streams. These might delay the traveller
much longer.

Steele to Macon.

Salisbury April 11th 1803
Dear Sir,

By Major Williams who left this place at the close
of our court I wrote you a few lines in which I omit-
ted to remind you of your promise to see me in the
course of the ensuing- summer. Nothing- 1 assure you
would g-ive me more pleasure than to take you by the
hand at my hut, and our g-irls hope you will favor
them with the company of your daughter at the same
time. They will do everything- in their power to
make her time while here pass agreeably. In return
for a few weeks of your own society I will treat you
with some of the I 'isioiis of a cidevant. A station in
the background you know sometimes affords views
not altogether uninteresting, to those engaged in the
busy scenes of the front ranks. The only merit of
mine is that they have been formed with calmness
and deliberation. 2 There is one important subject
on which I cannot forbear to give you a few hints in
anticipation. A good deal of reflection since has con-
firmed me in the opinion I expressed to you about a
year ago. The reasons in support of that opinion
wd. be too long- for a letter by post. I allude to the
Mandamus, and the fashionable doctrine which it
was made use of to establish, that the courts have
power to pronounce Acts of Congress unconstitutional
and void. There is a remarkable coincidence in the
arguments lately published of Mr. Lee and the
Chief Justice.4 To whom the credit of originating
and digesting them belongs is not perhaps material.
Between them they have made the most of the occa-

30 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

sion. Logicians in the forum like Partizans in the
field show their skill by passing the strong- and se-
lecting- the weaker points of attack.

It is certainly a sound principle that in a well or-
ganized government of Laws as we believe ours to be
every wrong- shd. have its proper remedy. If this
principle can be shown to have its effect in the cases
stated by the Chief Justice the necessity for judicial
interference will not exist, as all the arguments in
favor of such interference are predicated on hypoth-
esis that an injury has been done to the applicants by
the Executive and that they are without remedy ex-
cept from the Judiciary. This is the point which the
Chief Justice and the learned counsel pretended to
examine. By the theory of our Government the Leg-
islature, the Executive & Judicial departments are in
a certain degree, or for certain purposes distinct. It
is inaccurate to suppose them equal in trust, or in
power. The officers who compose the President's
council are his constitutional advisers and with him
form what is denominated the Executive. Should
the Secty. of State a constituent part of this great de-
partment do wrong in his official capacity to an indi-
vidual or the public with or without the sanction of
the President the intimate relation which the con-
stitution supposes to exist between him and the Pres-
ident may be dissolved by removal or impeachment
after which he is amenable to the Judicial authority
in the form of an indictment and perhaps by civil
process. Until that connection be dissolved the offi-
cial acts of a Secty. of State are to be regarded as the
acts of the President. With respect to them he stands
on Executive ground not examinable by the Judiciary.
The courts have no constitutional power to inquire
whether (for instance) a patent for land be wrong-
fully or rightfully withheld. If withheld the first step
of a purchaser supposing himself entitled shd. be by
petition to the President, afterwards if redress be re-
fused by petition to the house of Repvs. where im-
peachments originate. The remedies in the power
of these two authorities to afford cannot fail to be
effectual, the course to be pursued to obtain them is
plain and consistent with the most obvious principles
of our Govt. It avoids that worst of political evils a

j^MBBSl'Kisi KI8TORK m ICONOORAPH8

war of Departments, and tin- disorganization and
public injury whirl) such collisions produce in a conn-
try where opinion is free it neither of the contending
authorities (as is the case with the Executive and the
Judiciary >be in relation t<> the other paramount, and
ii one «>t them as the Chief Justice has avowed slid.
refuse to acknowledge the Legislature as the com-

tnon and rightly superior of both. Admit the right
of the supreme court to step on Executive ground in
the case of a patent or a pension and you subject at
once the Comptr. to judicial discipline and all the
vast concerns of the Treasy. to the revision of a de-
partment which in theory is the third but in practice
aims at becoming the first power of the state. With
respect then to the particular case of Mr. Marbury
& others they cannot in my humble opinion demand
either their commissions or transcripts from the rec-
ords of the Secty. of State as matters of right and
after the opinion given by the court that a transcript
would be of equal validity with the original it would
be wrong to furnish it as matter of courtesy. It was
here that the Chief Justice showed his skill in pass-
ing over the most formidable objection without no-
tice. Both he and the learned counsel treated it in
their argument as a point conceded that the Justices
ofthe peace for the district of Columbia are Judges in
the sense of the Constitution. The law which pro-
vides for their appointment contains the refutation
of this opinion. They are to be commissioned for
five years and not during good behavior. There are
but two descriptions of tenures by which offices are
held under the constitution. All offices must be of
one or the other. If the Justices are Judges in the
sense of the constitution the law which limits their
appointment to five years is unconstitutional^ and of
course according to the Chief Justice void. Any ten-
ure different from that prescribed by the constitution
"during good behavior'" would be so. If they are
not Judges in this sense they are like other officers
removable by the President. The law can not be
valid and void at the- same time, good to vest the
power of Judges but void as to the limitations of
their authority. This is too great an absurdity to
be seriously maintained, and yet without recurrence

THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

to some such fiction it is difficult to perceive on what
foundation the title of the Justices of the peace for
the district of Columbia to hold their offices inde-
pendently of the will of the Executive rests. I It can-
not be from the nature of the duties to be performed
else the Comptr. Auditor, Accountants, Commrs. un-
der certain laws and treaties wd. be equally indepen-
dent for tney all perform duties in a certain degree
judicial, and in some points of view much more im-
portant to society. The act which provide: for this
appointment must then be presumed the only founda-
tion of their independence and this proves as clearly
as a point can be proved by implication that they
were not to be regarded as Judges in the sense of the
constitution and that the term of five years was fixed
for their service merely that the Executive depart-
ment might at stated periods review the roll and leave
out such as age or other causes had rendered unfit
without recurring to the painful alternative of re-
moval.

The President is said to derive the power of remov-
ing all officers not commissioned to hold their offices
during good behavior from the constitution, if so ac-
cording to the maxims of the Chief Justice an act to
divest him of that power or to restrain the exercise of
it in terms wd. be unconstitutional and void. The
consent of the President to such an act wd. be equally
unconstitutional because Congress even with his ap-
probation cannot alter the constitution. In England
it is otherwise. But even there "the King is not bound
by any act of parliament unless he be named therein
by special and particular words. The most general
words that can be devised affect not him in the least
if they may tend to restrain or diminish any of his
rights or interests: — for it wd. be of the most mis-
chievous consequence to the public if the Executive
power were liable to be curtailed without its own ex-
press consent by constructions and implications. " The
limitation of five years then cannot create an inde-
pendence of the Executive to whom it exclusively ap-
pertains as incident to the power of Appointment to
determine when and how vacancies happen free of
any kind or degree of responsibility to the judicial
department and consequently a right to demand the

JAMBS 8PRUNT HISTORICAL MONOGRAPHS H

Commissions, or transcripts of them, ot to i in

virtue of either the authorities of Justices of the

peace contrary to the will of tin- President is without
foundation. A case exactly In point occurred not
long since In Pennsylvania. The present Gov. re-
moved an officer, I think the Adjt. Genl who held his

appointment under a law which fixed the tenure to a
term of years like that of the Justices of the Ds oi
Columbia. There was moreover a salary attached to
thia office which in a state where rights are so well
understood and so highly valued as in Pennsylvania
wd. not have been yielded if a power to revise and
joYrect the procedure had been supposed to exist in
the courts. However men ma}' differ in their opinions
as to the expediency and perhaps the justice of some
parts of Mr. McKeans political conduct all I believe
agree in paying- homage to his professional knowl-
edge and it is for this reason only that the case is
cited.

Can the Judge, by Judicial sentence pronounce Acts
of Congress unconstitutional and void? This is a
power so transcendent and calculated to alter so es-
sentially the relations which difft. departms. of Gov-
ernment bear to each other that it shd. have some
better foundation than the constructive inferences of
those who claim and are to exercise it. By the the-
ory of our Govt, the three great depts. are distinct
though not equal. The Legislature in the nature of
things is supreme because it not only prescribes rules
of action but possesses independently of the other de-
partments the power of compelling obedience. Its
members moreover are under the same solemn obliga-
tion to do right and support the constitution invio-
late, and possess the same right to determine in their
legislative capacity the meaning of its doubtful parts,
that the Judges do in their official capacity. That
both Houses of the Legislature formed as they are,
the Presidents and heads of Depts. shd. be more lia-
ble to be mistaken or more disposed to violate it than
perhaps a hare majority of the Judges of the supreme
court is not to be conceded. Whence then originates
rror in supposing that the judges possess this
new & gigantic power? I answer, in the facility
with which small bodies of men can be brought to

34 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

embrace an opinion favorable to their own dignity
and official influence, to the common interest which
gentlemen of the law feel throughout our country in
extending their sphere of action by increasing the
jurisdiction of the judicial dept. and as a necessary
consequence the chances of litigation — but above all
to inaccurate notions which are perhaps the offspring
of the foregoing combination concerning the original
distribution of the powers by the constitution and
the indulgence with which that Dept. on accot of its
weakness has been regarded by a generous people.
If a bill having passed thro the forms of both houses
shd. be returned by the President because he deemed
it unconstitutional, two thirds of each house aftds.
concurring it becomes a law the opinion of the Exec-
utive notwithstanding and the Secty.of State must re-
ceive and deposit it among the rolls accordingly.
Can it be presumed that a prerogative defined with
scrupulous exactness and limited in reference to the
second department of Govt, sh'd have been intended
by the convention to be confided to the third by im-
plication in a sense as broad too as the most express
words could convey it. A doctrine so entirely unsup-
ported by reason and analogy cannot stand the test of
examination. How then it may be asked are the
Judges of the Supreme Court to act in cases where
they conscientiously believe the law and consti-
tution to be at variance? 1st they sh'd suspend their
decision and present to the President a respectful rep-
resentation for the purpose of having the attention of
the Legislature called to the subject. If after con-
sidering the representation of the Judges an attempt
be made to repeal the law without success, or if a ses-
sion be allowed to pass without repeal or modifi-
cation it then becomes the duty of the Supreme Court
to acquiesce in the same manner as an inferior tri-
bunal is bound to yield obedience to a superior. It is
hence the difficulty^ originates. The Supreme Court
cannot regard the Legislature as a superior tribunal
and until its superiority is established decisively the
question will remain unsettled. The solemn mockery
of the oath applies equally to the members of the
Legislature and of the Executive who were concerned
in the passing as to the Judges and officers whose

JAMKS SPRINT HISTORICAL M()NO( JKAI'IIS 15

duty it may be to execute a law which tin- Latter may
deem unconstitutional. A district Judge for insist]
in. iv conscientiously believes tax on carriages uncon-
stitutional vet if adjudged to be otherwise by the
Supreme Court he is hound to yield acquiescence and
give it execution. It is equally clear that the
Supreme Court owes and may be compelled to yield
similar obedience to the deliberate and solemn acts of
the Legislature the highest and most august tribunal
of a free country. Order and the genuine relations
of Govt, cannot long be preserved in any other way.

NOTES.

1 Probably Marmaduke Williams of Caswell, who v as ele< ted
to the State Senate in 1802 and the next year to the House of
Representatives of the United States. He served until 1809,
and then removed to Alabama, where he was a delegate to
the convention which formed the State Constitution. In his
old age he was County Judge.

2 In the case of Marbury vs Madison, Secretary of State, the
Supreme Court held that the plaintiff, having been appointed
Justice of the Peace for the District of Columbia by the Pri si-
dent and the Senate hiving approved the nomination, the
commission having been duly signed and sealed and left by the
late Secretary undelivered, was entitled to his commission.
and that mandamus should lie to compel the delivery by the
new Secretary of State, but that the act giving the Supreme
Court original jurisdiction was unconstitutional. Although
the jiower and duty of the Court to nullify unconstitutional
acta IS now universally conceded, able men in that day thought
otherwise. General Steele's letters gives their line of argu-
ment.

* Charles Lee, Attorney General 1795 to 1801. He had been
Delegate from Virginia to the Continental Congn ^.

* Chief Justice John Marshall of Virginia. He advocated
in tlie convention of 1788, the adoption of the Federal Consti-
tution; Envoy to France with Gerry and C. C. Pincknev in
17'>7; Congressman 17,»,» 1800; Secretary of State 180<> '01;

36 THE UNIVERSITYU BLLETINS

Chief Justice of the United States, 1801 to his death, July 6
1835. Author of Life of Washing-ton.

Macon to Steele.

Raleigh 11 June 1803
Sir

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two let-
ters the one by Major Williams, the other postpaid,
The last received at Washington, I think was an-
swered, though of this I am not certain; The great
hurry of business and the very constant and lengthy
sittings of the house may possible have made me
neglect to answer, The house was very seldom in
committee of the whole, and were in session from nine
to eleven hours for a few of the last days; The fa-
tigue occasioned by this constant delay, had nearly
overcome me, though having- relectuntly undertaken
the task, I had at first determined not to yeild to any
duty but the absolute loss of health, in this determi-
nation in every circumstance I uniformly persisted,
and was for a short time after the adjournment really
apprehensive, that my constitution was considerably
injured, but this apprehension was soon entirely re-
moved, and I have since enjoyed my usual g-ood
health

I have duly considered the contents of your last
letter, and candidly acknowledge that I think there
is great strength in your arguments, but my doubts
are not completely removed, cases may be stated to
shew that the court did not possess the power to de:
clare a particular act unconstitutional, other cases
might be stated in which it would seem that they had
the power; of the first kind is the law to apportion
representatives, The pay of Members of Con-
gress, The article s of war for land & naval ser-
vice &c.&c; Because none of these require their
aid to carry them into execution; of other kind is the
power of the supreme court to hear any orig-inal suit,
when the authority is not derived from the constitu-
tion, such an action for debt between the two citi-
zens of the same state &c. &c. These would require
their aid to carry them into operation, The court

JAME8 SPi;r\T HISTORICAL MONooitAiMIS

must m.iki'i'wrv declaration of the unconstitutional-
it j of a law a1 their peril; because the judges are
made accountable for their condud i>\ the constitu-
tion, A If Judges could declare acts void; without

being liable for their actions, they would be the su-
preme authority of the nation, and that without con-
troul — and the only department in the Government
where a power might be exercised to any degree,
without the least check or controul by any other de-
partment of the Government; I confess the mode for
the Judges to proceed, where they believe a law vio-
lates the constitution, as pointed out by you, would
be the most adviseable, and liable to the least objec-
tion, both in practice and theory, but the true ques-
tion is have the courts the power from the constitu-
tion of the U. S. to declare a law unconstitutional;
In the case of the mandamus, the opinion of the Court
as to the result was correct; the rule was discharged,
but the reasoning which lead to the conclusion,
seems to be directly opposed to it, and put me, in
mind of a noted member of Congress who always
spoke on one side, and voted on the other, if they had
no power to determine on the merits of the complaint
they had no authority to grant the rule in the first
instance, and the mandamus ought not to have been
issued, the argument on which the question seemed
to he decided, had nothing to do with the question,
but certainly had a squinting towards another, al-
though I am not quite convert to your opinion as to
the power of the Judges, I most cordially agree with
you as to the Mandamus

I fear it will not be in my power, to visit you at
Salisbury this summer, inclination is not wanting,
and it is almost too strong to be resisted by poverty
and inconvenience; besides the pleasure of seeing vou
and family, I could sa\ much to you in the small way,
which is too little to put in a letter, and would bear
telling when it would not writing

I have written this in haste, without revising and
without your letters by me, I mean this Is an expla-
nation if one should be neo-ssarv for not perhaps an-
swering in every point, but an apoligy I hope neces-
sary, and I will not attempt to make one Permit
me my friend to say to vou, that I had rather jrou

38 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

would have not paid the postage of your letter, be-
tween us it seems almost too formal, I am well aware
that it proceeded from great delicacy but I cannot help
thinking, that you doubted whether to pay it or not,
I will own to you, that I have often doubted that to
do on like occasions. Write often and postage or no
postage I will not scold you again, unless it be for
not writing-
Be pleased to offer my best respects to your family
and believe me to be with sincere regard

Sir yr. most obt sert-

Nathl Macon
(Mr. Steele)

NOTES.

'Probably Gen. Sani'l Smith of Maryland ;Colonel in the Revo-
lutionary war; U.S. Representative in Congress, 1793-1803; and
1810-'22; Senator 1803-'l5 and 1822-33. Commanded the
Maryland troops in the defence of Baltimore in 1814 and
quelled the Baltimore riot of 1835,

Mr. Macon was usually accurate. This "always" is evi-
dently an exaggeration.

Steele to Macon.

Salisbury Sept 12th 1803
Dear Sir

Accept my thanks for your favor of the 7th ulto.
It came to hand when 1 was a good deal occupied
with workmen in superintending some necessary alt-
erations of the inside parts of my house which could
only be done during the season when chimnies are
not in use. This is my apology for not acknowledging
it sooner.

It is natural that you shd. feel a little curiosity to
know the fate of my essay in Toast making. I will
endeavor to gratify it. On Friday evening preceding
the 4th of July a very heavy rain fell at Lethe my
river plantation where I had a considerable qunty. of
wheat cut & in the field exposed to injury. This
obliged me to go there instead of meeting the com-
mittee on Saturday morning the time appointed. J

JAMBS SHU nt B2STOBKUL MONo<.i;\,

however apologised for my absence by .1 note, and
transmitted for their consideration the sketch which
you have seen and which I am happy to find meets
your approbation. The members of the Committee
all attended except myself, chose judge Macav ' f<>r
their Chairman, proceeded to business. ( )i the seven-
teen which I submitted they adopted six without al-
teration. These were the 1st. The day &ca. 6th.
Foreign nations in amity &ca. with a quotation from
Mr. Jeffersons inaugeratiou speech 11th. The militia
&ca. A nation armed &ca. 14th The Press &oa. 16th.
The lair sex &ea. 17th. The State of Ohio &ca.
Others they adopted in part but with alterations
which can hardly be called improvements. The 2nd.
7th. 13th. 15th. they rejected altogether. To the 3rd.
Ihc Fed. constitution they annexed a sentiment in-
correct in principle and in language. It wTas this.
The paladium of our rights, let it never be violated.
(The paladium of Troy from whence the term de-
scended was in the sense of the Trogatis incapable of
violation.) The true paladium of our rights' consists
in our sense of their nature and value; in our virtue
to chuse proper persons to represent us, and last of
all in our swords. It is absurd to say that our rights
are dependent on the Fed. constitution. We were
free before it existed as now, perhaps not quite so
tranquil. Instead of the 4th they substituted the mem-
ory of Genl. W. In favor of this alteration I under-
stood it was urged by 3 Mr. H. that to connect with
that name, any other name or description of charac-
ters wd. derogate from the respect due to it, as if he
could have accomplished any thing without the co-
operation of others Instead of the 5th They adopted
simply "the President of the U. S,M without even
using the name of Mr. Jefferson. From the 8th They
expurged the words 4 Governor and and adopted the
remainder which was in substance the same but like
the 5th not quite no respectful to the chief magistrate.
Instead of the 'uh & 12th some general, commonplace
sentiments in favor of learning & commerce were
adopted. Of the loth the adopted the first part, llic

absenceof party spirit and rejected what followed. (I

t that it was the late of BOme of the best to U-
totally lost, or so mutilated ar> not to be worth

40 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

publication). The 14th might be improved by the al-
teration which you suggest and I sincerely wish that
good men would qnite to correct the evil upon your
plan which appears to be the only practicable way.
The greater part of the committee I understand were
but Mr. H. from whom the opposition chiefly came was
strenuous to retain some of those which were rejected;
and they compromised for the sake of unan-
imity, and as a compliment to other members who
also had been at the trouble to prepare sketches for
the consideration of the committee. They compli-
mented me by the adoption of more than my propor-
tion, and probably if I had been present a few more
wd. have been reed, and perhaps fewer alterations
made.

I have seen the charg-e of Judg-e Chase4 as published
in the Nat. Intelligencer. It is extra Judicial and in
humble opinion extremely indecorous; but if there
were no other objections to it, on the score of principle
it wd. be indefensible. Men in hig-h public stations
shd. be careful to guard ag-t. the influence of their
passions always apt to mislead the understanding-, if
not corrupt the heart. The opinions of some of the
Judg-es5 on other subjects are so inaccurate c nd prepos-
terous that I am not surprised at this, my only wish
is that friend Moore7 may prove as I am sure he will
like pure g-old, the more brig-ht for being- tried in such
a crucible. Mr. Patterson 7 I consider also a man of
sterling- integrity; of some of the others you have
long- known my deliberate opinions. It is useless to
repeat them.

The purchase of Louisiana is certainly a great
affair. It will g-ive lustre to to the administration
which achieved it. Future Historians will rank it,
(like the declaration of Independence the treaty of
peace, the adoption of the Fedl. constitution) among-
the memorable events of our country, and shd. we
also obtain the Floridas the acquisition will be as im-
portant in its consequences as any of them. The
sum8 to be given is larg-e, but not too much. To
have taken possession of the fortifications and other
establishments necessary to retain it by force wd.
have required much more. To think correctly on the
expense of military enterprises we shd. call to our rec-

.1 AMI - H'Kl \1 lll-T«)KI(\I, MnSiMSKAIMIS 41

ollection the experience we have had in erecting forti-
fications on the sea coast, in the Pittsburg9 & No
Hampton expeditions, in prosecuting Indian wars, to

nothing of the delays and disgrace which have
attended them. It is no disparagement to the pacim
plan of the President that our Envoy arrived at a
Fortunate crisis It is always tin- part of a statesman
.is it isof a ( tenl. to watch events and t<> profit by them;
l>nt even there it is ascribable wholly to accident, as it
is the way of the world to make a man responsible for
his bad, they slid, also give him credit for his good
fortune. A few days ago I was imperceptibly led in-
to a warm dispute with a Federalist an acquaintance
oi yours on the question whether the British Govt,
wd. not be justified in taking- possession of New-
orleans at any time before the ratification of the
treaty by our senate. A good deal was said on both
sides, but I endeavoured to conclude the argument by

placing it on this simple footing Were the

French competent to sell? Yes. Were we competent
to purchase. Yes. A fair sale and a purchase being
made by competent parties, on the 30th of April a
time too of general peace, any attempt by the British
Govt, to prevent the execution of the contract by
taking forcible possession of the place purchased wd.
be an aggression which wd. justify war on the part
of the U. S. He maintained however to the last that
a treaty is of no validity until ratified, and as we are
not bound to pay until the ratification we could not be
injured by an event which wd. afford sufft. reason to
refuse both. This was departing from the question,

ause slid, such an occurrence take place, we wd.
nevertheless be at liberty to ratify and withhold pay-
ment until possession, which the french Govt, could
not think unreasonable, or perhaps under such circum-
Btances that Govt, might authorize the application
of the purchase money towards dispossessing the In-
truder. This wd. be a subject for subsequent negoti-
ation, and not necessarily connected with the ratifi-
cation. Another reason has been stated here which
I have sina seen hinted at in some of the papers to
justify the British Govt, in such an interference, that
the privileges secured '-» F and Spanish Vessels ex-

CUsively of all others are contrary to the stipulation

42 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

of the Treaty of London which guarantees to the
subjects of Great Britain in our ports the privile-
ges of the most favored nation. Without contend-
ing- that the stipulation in favor of P. & Sp. bottoms
is not a favor granted but a consideration of the ces-
sion, or rather a reservation of certain rights for a
limited period by a nation possessing at the time
and about to yield a complete sovereignty, it may be
replied that the treaty of London contains a provision
in favor of british vessels of Canada in the No. Wt.
ports of the U. S. exactly similar where the reason
did not apply with near so much force as in the pres-
ent case. See the article. A favor which we did not
grant to F. V. in any of our ports nor even to B. V.
except in the No. W. ports; this altho objected among
ourselves as an unconstitutional provision was never
I believe complained of by France; having no existing
rights she could not reasonably object to an arrange-
ment which deprived her of none and had for its ob-
ject only the local accomodation of another, then
with respect to those ports, like Britain now with res-
pect to the ports within the Mississippi, A nation
about to cede has a right to make its conditions, and
there is certainly a clear distinction between a terri-
tory received under such conditions, and favors grant-
ed in the ordinary course of commercial arrangement.
G. Britain having no actual participation in the trade
of the Mississippi before could not I think have com-
plained even if the treaty of cession had obliged us
to exclude her vessels altogether but this would have
been a departure from our system of policy which I
hope always will continue to be "liberal commerce
with all nations, entangling alliances with none"
There is however one stipulation in this treaty which
I sincerely lament, because I am sure it will increase
the difficulties of the Secy, of the Treasy. I mean the
payment of the interest (of the stock to be created) in
Europe. I suppose it must have been either insisted
on by the F. Govt, or perhaps inadvertently agreed
to by Mr. Livingston, It is for other reasons, beside
the difficulties of remitting, an unfortunate part of
the contract.

The foregoing is the copy of Gen.. Steele, s letter retained
by him. We have not the original.

.IAMKS SlMCl-XT 1 1 ISToKK ' Al. MONOOUAIMIS IA

Drafts respectfully submitted to the consideration

of the committee appointed t<> prepare them for the

4th J ul \ L803.

1st. The day. Perpetuity to the principleof the rev-
olution which it commemorates.

2nd. The United States. Common interest their
best cement. —

3rd. The Federal constitution. — A good Form of (iov-
ernment prepared For us by wise men in the spirit
of mutual concession. —

4th. Our late illustrious fellow citizen George Wash-
ington and the long list of Statesmen and Her<>
who cooperated with him in the establishment of
American independence. —

5th. Thomas Jefferson President of the United States,
and the Majorities of both houses of Congress. —
Let the reflection that they are invested with
powers delegated by the whole people inspire
them with sentiments of justice and moderation
and their political opponents with those of ac-
quiescence and respect. —

<>th. Foreign nations in amity with the United States.
— Liberal commerce with all, entangling alliance
with none. —

7th. The people of North Carolina. — Happy under a
form of Government in theory simple, in practice
safe and economical. —

8th. The Governor and Constituted authorities of
North Carolina. —

9th. Our University and other institutions for the in-
struction of youth. It shd. never be forgotten
that knowledge and virtue are the best preserva-
tives of civil liberty. —

10th. The absence of party spirit. — Wherefore shd.
it exist? "We are all republicans and all Fed-
rr; ilists. "

11th. (Public arsenals in proper situation adequate
to the complete equipment of) The Militia. — A
nation armed united and free is invincible.

12th. Agriculture, commerce, and manufactures. —
Extension, and security to them all, they are the
eat sources of american prosperity.

loth. Public credit and the public debt. — An honor-
able performance of our legal engagements will

44 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

increase the one by the regular arid speedy ex-
tinction of the other.

14th. The Press. — Let us learn to distinguish be-
tween its freedom and licentiouness. —

15th. Our rights on the Mississippi. Should diplo-
matic means fail Government may safely trust
the final issue to god, and the energies of a peo-
ple who will neither do nor suffer injustice. —

19th. The fair sex. — Without participation in public
affairs their dominion is in the hearts of their
countrymen.

17th. Our Sister State Ohio. — [The day is not distant
when her importance to the Union (as a frontier)
will be known and appreciated] — Young in years
but growing fast into importance.

NOTES.

1 Spruce McCoy, a Judge of the Superior Courts of Law and
Equity in North Carolina 1790 to 1808.

2 Archibald Henderson, son of Richard Henderson, who was
a Judge prior to the Revolution, and brother of Chief Justice
Leonard Henderson. He was the leader of. the bar of Rowan,
and Representative in Congress 1799 to 1803; a Federalist.

3 The Governor thus "scratched" was a Republican, James
Turner, of Warren county. He was elected thrice, 1802-'05.
At the close of his term as Governor, he was chosen to be
United States Senator and served until 1816. Further notice
of him is given elsewhere.

4 Samuel Chase, of Maryland, Judge of the Supreme Court
of United States, 1796-1813. His charge to the Grand Jury
of Baltimore, May 2nd, 1803, was extremely obnoxious to the
Republicans. He declared that the repeal by Congress of the
law for the election of sixteen circuit judges, the establish-
ment of universal suffrage in Maryland and further alteration
in the state judiciary contemplated, will take away all secur-
ity for property and personal liberty. "The independence of
the national judiciary was already shaken to its foundation.
Our constitution will be a mobocracy, the worst of all pos-
sible governments," and more to the same effect*

.IAMKS SIMtl-XT HISTORICAL MON(MiltAPIIS 45

The Lmpeachmenl against Judge Chase alleged injustice,
partiality and intemperate conduct and language. There
nere eighl articles, The firsl alleged misconduct in the trial
pi Fries, the oext five similar outrageous conduct in the trial
of Callender for Libel; the seventh charged wrong-doing in
refusing to dismiss the grand jury until they should indict a
printer tor treason, and Article VIII. characterized the charm-
to the grand jury at Baltimore as a prostitution of the judic-
iary to low partisan purposes, with intent to arouse hatred
against the government of Maryland and of the United
Stat.

Twenty three votes for conviction were necessary, as it
takes two-thirds to convict. On the first article only 16 out
of 34 voted guilty; on the second only 10; on the third 18; on
the fourth, not one; on the fifth only 6; on the sixth 10; on
the seventh 10; on the eighth 19.

Samuel Chase was a signer of the Declaration of Indepen-
dence, an ardent and useful patriot, an extreme Federalist, an
able lawyer, but of overbearing disposition.

5 The other Judges were besides Chief Justice Marshall,
1801-'35, William Cushing, of Massachusetts, 1789-1815,
William Paterson (so spelled), of New Jersey, 1793-1806,
Alfred Moore, of North Carolina, 1799-1804.

Alfred Moore had been a Captain in the Revolution, and
Attorney General and Judge of North Carolina.

7 Wm. Paterson, had been member of the Continental Con-
gress and U. S. Senator. In the Convention of 1787 he was
author of the "New Jersey Plan," which guarded the sov-
ereignty of the States.

8 The price was $11,250,000 in United States stock payable
in fifteen years, and also $3,350,000 due by the French gov-
ernment for depredations on our commerce; in all $15,000,000.
The purchase was supposed to contain over a million square
miles, that is, over 640,000,000 acres, about twenty three
cents an acre. The white inhabitants were about 50,000 of
French and Spanish birth and 40,000 slaves. The treaty was

46 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

negotiated with Napoleon by Robert R. Livingston, but Mon-
roe, being sent by Jefferson specially for the purpose, joined
with him in completing the negotiation.

9 Mr. Steele probably refers to the expenses of suppressing
the Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania and Shay's Rebel-
lion in Massachusetts.

Macon to Steele.

Washington 27 Novr. 1803
Sir

I write to you now, not because I have anything
worth writing, but because I hope it will be the
means of inducing you to give me the news of Salis-
bury, This place affords nothing new, which you
will not find in every news paper; The vote to re-
peal the Bankrupt act,1 was not a party one, & the
few who opposed the repeal, were not, one excepted,
in favor of the principle, but wished it amended and
to expire by its own limitation

It is believed, that it will be known here, in 15 or
20 days, either that the U. S. are in possession of
New Orleans; or that the Spanish Government2 there
will not deliver it to the U. S, no fact is yet known
here to induce a belief, that it will not be surren-
dered; every thing tranquil at New Orleans as late
as 11-instant, no act at that day done, which indicat-
ed the least hostile intention

I cannot think of any thing else to write, and were
I to see you it is possible, a thousand small affairs
might come to my recollection which might serve to
excite laughter

I am with great respect

Sir Yr. most obt sert

Nathl Macon
(General Steele
Salisbury

No Carolina)

notes.

1 Passed April 8, 1800. Repealed October, 1803. It was
thought to be "prolific of fraud, wastefulness and a wild

JAMBA SPBUM1 BISTOBfOAL MONOGRAPHS 47

spirit ol speculation." The vote for repeal in the House was
W to L3.

°In 1682, LaSalle took possession ol the territory and
tamed it after Louis XIV. Bienville founded New Orleans
in 1706. In 1762, Prance ceded the territory to Spain. In
1800, Spain retroceded it to France. In Maj 1803, France
gold it to the United States. December 20, 1803, Laussat,
Commissioner of France, formally surrendered it to Wm. C. C.
Clairborne and James Wilkinson, Commissioners of the United
States. A body of militia of Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee,
was held in readiness, and a small force of Tennesseeans was
moved to Natchez, in order to quell any resistance on the
part of the inhabitants, but none was offered. The province
was at once divided into two territories, that of Orleans, and
that of Louisiana. Wm. C. C. Claiborne was the first Gov-
ernor of Orleans, in 1812 the State of Louisiana.

The Spanish Government, through the Marquis de Casa
Yrujo, strongly protested against the right of France to alien-
ate the territory, alleging that there was an agreement not
to do so, and, secondly, that the sale to France by Spain was
not binding, because the contract of the former in regard to
Tuscany, which was the moving consideration, had not been
carried out.

Macon to Steele.

Washington 11 Deer 1803

Sir.

Your letter' of the 25 ultimo has been duly re-
ceived, aud the remarks therein made ought to satis-
fy every one on the subject; but it is no easy thing,
to satisfy those who make improper and unjust de-
mands and expect to support their claims, not by the
law, but by an evasion of it, and not by an evasion,
which justice could warrant

The letter therein referred to, has been received,
and an answer was left at home to be sent to War-
renton to be put in the mail for you; I suppose it is

48 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

still at home, and must remain there at least till my
return

By the papers you will see, that hitherto we have
had nothing like a storm in Congress; it is however
true, that we have had a brisk gale or two, but of short
duration;

I do not expect, that any subject will be before the
house, which will produce the g-eneral sort of debate,
which you have sometimes witnessed, and which
never added much to the reputation of the speakers
or to the character of the Nation

The forming a Government for Louisiana will
probably be the most difficult part of the present ses-
sion I say this, because I have heard several plans
spoken of, neither of which would I believe be adopt-
ed

I have sent this scrawl in some haste,

I am Sir
most sincerely
Nathl Macon
(Genl- Steele
Salisbury

No Carolina)

note.

1 We have not this letter. The claim from Rhode Island,
elsewhere explained, is probably alluded to. Mr. Steele
when Comptroller rejected it.

Macon to Steele.

Washing-ton 12 Feby 1804
Sir

I have duly received yours of the 19 ultimo, and
sincerely wish it was in my power to communicate to
you, all the wishes and intentions of every Depart-
ment of the Government, It is I think quite proba-
ble that no one knows less of them than I do, my
situation in the House keeps me almost constantly
confined, and I am generally so tired of politics by
the evening1, that I had rattier hear of anything else,
besides a hurt which I received on my way to this

.1 AMI - H'KI N i III |M|;|< \l, MoNOdi; M'HS

place, has kepi me much at home, bo much so. thai I
have n<>t been able to make Buch enquiries ,-is I have
heretofore dour

On the subject <>i the lands ' claimed by citizens <>i
N. C« and others lying within the Indian border line

and within the limits of Tennessee, I know not what
to say; Those who ought to urge a decision of the
house <>ii that point, seem always to l>e otherwise en-
gaged; I shall most certainly use every effort in my
power to have a decision, but it is one of those ques-
tions that I have so often supported, that I cannot
now think of any thing- new on the subject, and most
cordially hate to repeat old speeches, even to new
members. I have however a hope, that both the N. C.
& Tennesseee members will perfectly understand the
question, and treat it in such a manner as to make
others completely comprehend it. I have indirectly
heard, but I do not now recollect in what way scarce-
ly or from whom, that the President was very desir-
ous to get the Indians especially those to the South
to remove themselves over the Mississippi

The British Minister2 has kicked up a little dust
about his & his wife's rank, such as going- first out
of the sitting to the dining room; having number one
given to his wife at the dancing assembly, and this
prank of the Briton, has acted as a spur to the Span-
iard, and the Marquis the 3 Casa Yrujo has also taken
it into his head to shew a trick or two about this new
fangled doctrine of rank, where the people nor their
form of government acknowledge any; However I
suspect both the claims, although not for money,
will meet, the same fate, which claims so often meet
from the Committee of claims, that is, leave to with-
draw

There is at this moment a great deal of busim ss
before Congress, though none of much consequence.
except forming a plan of government for Louisiana,
and carrying the revenue laws of the U. S. into oper-
ation in that Country; The quantity of busift
seems necessarily to put an adjournment a good way
off, but the quality of it, is much against a distant
day; yet it is impossible to form any tolerable cor-
rect opinion when an adjournment will take place

00 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

Accept my best wishes, and believe me to be very
truly

Sir Yrs. Sincerely

Natbl Macon
(General Steele
Salisbury

No Carolina)

NOTES.

1 By Acts of the General Assembly of North Carolina of
1782, 1783 and 1784, the warrants for lands granted to the of-
ficers and soldiers of the Continental line of that state were
to be located in what was called the Military Reservation, in
the western part of what is now Tennessee. In December
1789, North Carolina passed the Act of Cession of Tennessee
to the United States which was approved by Congress, April
2nd, 1790. In this Act the rig-hts of the officers and soldiers
were protected. In 1796, Tennessee was admitted into the
Union but the unappropriated lands were not ceded to her.
Tennessee claimed that North Carolina's rig-hts expired in
1792 because the time of the claims was originally limited to
that date and the latter state had not reserved the power of
extension of the time. In 1799, Tennessee asserted by reso-
lution her ownership as sovereig-n of all unlocated lands
within her limits. In 1801, she confirmed all prior entries
under grants, and prohibited by heavy penalties any further
action by North Carolina surveyors and entry takers. In
1803, she appointed Judge John Overton to adjust the diffi-
culties with North Carolina, which resulted in giving- the
latter the rig-fit to issue the military warrants.

In 180b, Congress in a spirit of liberality ceded to Tennes-
see, the title of the United States, reserving- the claims of
North Carolina under the Act of Cession, and certain Indian
titles. The part not ceded was about one-third of the state,
and was west and south of the line known as the Military
Reservation line.

The Indian titles thus reserved were those of the Chicka-

JAMES SPRUNT HISTORICAL MONOGRAPHS 51

saw Indians under the Piomingo Treaty of 1786. By treaties
in 1805, 1816 and ISIS the Indians agreed to sell their rights
and move beyond the Mississippi. After satisfying all clai-
mants, between two and three million of acres remained,
which in 1846 were donated to Tennessee by Con^tv^s. The
proceeds of the sale of one-third of such military land war-
rants as escheated to North Carolina formed the endowment
of her State University prior to the Civil War, the other two-
thirds being taken by Tennessee for her own colleges.

2 Jefferson adopted the rule of "pell-mell" for his dinings,
i.e. that there should be no precedence, no grades among
foreign ministers. "All are perfectly equal, whether foreign
or domestic, titled or untitled, in or out of office." Anthony
Merry, the British minister, arrived at Washington in the
fall of 1803. He and his wife were invited to a reception on
December 2nd, and contrary to usage, (France and England
being at war) the President urged with success, M. Pichon,
the French charge, also to attend. When dinner was an-
nounced the President escorted Mrs. Madison and placed her
on his right. Madame Yrujo, the wife of the Spanish min-
ister, was placed on his left. Mr. Merry, without being as-
signed to any seat, started to sit next to Madame Yrujo, but
was crowded out by a member of the House of Representa-
tives. M. Yrujo wrote home that Merry and his wife had
r. ason to resent the, apparently studied, preference given to
himself and wife over Mr. and Mrs. Merry.

Soon after at Madison's reception the host took to the table
the wife of the Secretary of the Treasury, Gallatin, and in
the confusion on account of this unexpected conduct, Mrs.
Merry was left alone, until her husband walked up and of-
fered her his hand. M. Pichon wrote that in his opinion the
Secretary of State wished "Mr. Merry to feel more keenly
the scandal lie had made." The scandal consisted in Merry's
assertion that his treatment by Jefferson was intended as an
insult to the nation he represented.

Mrs. Merry, whom Jeffers< n in a private letter calls a vir-

52 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

ag-o, was indignant at her treatment. She was joined by
Madame Yrujo and a tempest was stirred up in the tea pot of
Washing-ton society. An explanation of the American usage
of equality was made, but it was not successful in producing
peace among the ladies. Jefferson praises Merry but adds
"if his wife perseveres she must eat her soup at home, and
we shall endeavor to draw him into society as if she did not
exist."

Jefferson's disregard of etiquette was approved by his
party, but was contemptuously denounced by the Federalists.

Comptroller Duval to Macon.

Comptroller's office F 16. 1804
Dear Sir

Having been informed, that you have received a
letter from Mr. Steele relative to the 'Rhode Island
petitions, which have been referred to me by the
house of Representatives, & presuming that it may
throw light on the subject, I have to request the fa-
vor of a perusal of it, unless it contains matter of a
private nature, or unless there may be any other mat-
ter which may forbid a compliance with my request
I have the honor to be

with great respect & esteem
Your obet. sert-
(signed) G Duval
directed to me

Macon to Comptroller Duval.

Washington 17 Feby 1804
Sir

Agreeable to the request contained in yours yester-
day, I herewith enclose you the letter of my friend
Mr. Steele; It may not be improper to state to you,
that this letter is an answer to one from me to him,
& that it was thought due to him to transmit with my
letter the statement which was presented to each

JAME8 Sl'KIM HISTORICAL MoNooKAl'HS 58

member of the Souse of Representatives on the claim i
referred to in his letter

I am with greal respect

Sir Vr. most obt. Sert-

Bigned > Nathl Macon
directed to the Comptroller of the Treasury -with

the following- — N. IJ. alter reading please to return

the letter .

Macon to Steele.

Washing-ton 26 Febv 1804
Sir

Herewith you will receive the copy of two notes;
If I erred in letting the present Comptroller read your
letter, you will pardon it I am sure, either Mr. Galla-
tin or some member of the house to whom I com-
municated the contents or permitted to read it, must
have informed him of it, I confess to you my anxiety
on the subject of the Rhode Island petitions,.would not
permit me to delay sending your letter as requested;
On the committee of commerce & manufactures it cer-
tainly had an effect, because they had before the re-
ception of it reported in favor of some of them, I
believe the securities; afterwards it recommitted to
the same Committee, because it was stated, there was
more testimony to be laid before the committee, and
after retaining- them a considerable time, The Com-
mittee asked to be discharged, & to have the petitions
referred to the Comptroller, both motions ob-
tained,

I have not heard, whether the comptroller has
decided on them, The reference to the Comptroller, is
rather a new proceeding in Congress, The general
practice having been, not to refer subjects on which
a Committee had acted to any department

The Supreme Court I understand have decided in fa-
vor of the sugar refiners. This question was brought
before the Court bv an appeal, from a circuit court,
which decided against the refiners

I know of nothing else either Legislative, executive,

or Judical worth telling, nor even the substance of

54 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

the testimony which has been collected against Judge
Chase.

1 am Sir truly yrs
Nathal Macon
(Genl- John Steele
Salisbury

No Carolina)

note.

1 By the courtesy of Hon. R. J. Trace well, the present
Comptroller, I learn that there were conflicting- claims to the
bounty offered for a four months fishing- cruise by owner, mas-
ter and crew of the schooner, employed. Congress ultimately
paid the bounty to the owner or his ag-ent.

Macon to Steele.

Washing-ton 25 March 1804
Sir

Late last evening- I had the pleasure to receive
yours of the 15- instant, and acknowledg-e it early this
morning-, lest the book of accounts should prevent my
doing after breakfast

Every thing this two days past has been hurry, but
yesterday the H. of R. cleared the table of every order
of the day, on which it is expected it will act in the
present session; some bills of real importance are yet
before the Senate, and tomorrow is the day fixed for
adjourning; The loss of the Philadelphia, and the ef-
fects it may produce on Tripoli in particular and the
Barbary powers in general are not easily to be calcu-
lated, but the situation of the unfortunate captives
is readily felt

I am very sincerely your friend
Nathl Macon
(Genl Steele
Salisbury

No Carolina)

NOTES.

1 Bainbridge commanded the Philadelphia a 38 gun frig-ate,

.i \MK8 BPRUNT ii is r« .i; i« \ i . KOltOGRAPHl 60

in the war with Tripoli. On October 21, 1803 be chased an
enemy cruiser into shoal water and, while hauling off, struck
a roof. The Tripoli tan gunboats captured his vessel ;i\u\ suc-
ceeded in floating her under the guns of the castle. Lieu-
tenant Stephen Decatur was detailed by Commodore Preble
to take seventy live men in a captured Tripoli tan vessel to des-
troy her. Chi the night of February t6th 1804 he ran into the
harbor, hoarded the Philadelphia, threw her crew .overboard,
burned her to the water's edge and escaped without the loss
of a man.

A Treaty of Peace was made JNune 4th, 1805 by which Tri-
poli agreed to cease depredations on our commerce, and on
payment of $60,000. to release all American captives.

Steele to Macon

Salisbury June 7th 1804
The want of something, My friend, which wd. be
worth postage has delayed until now the pleasure I
shd. otherwise have had of acknowledging sooner the
receipt of a letter which you did me the favor to
write to me about the close of the late session of Con-
gress. It contained, if I remember rightly, the first
intimation I received of the capture of the Frigate
Philadelphia, and perceiving lately that though lost
to us she is also by the gallant conduct of Capt Deca-
tur lost to our inhuman enemies, the same occasion
will serve to convey to you my condolence and niv
congratulation for these two events. This mode of
balancing the account is the more agreeable to me
too, as I am not in the habit of indulging myself in
complaints about public or private misfortunes All
nations and all men are liable to them, and when thc\
happen "a wise man has nothing to do but to sit
down and digest them." I sincerely hope howewr.
that our brave Tars will not remain long in captiv-
ity, and that tiny will find a suitable remuneration
for their sufferings in the gratitude of their
country

You were kind enough last winter to give me some
information concerning the 'Rhode Island pamphlet

56 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

but I have not yet learned the final issue of that ap-
plication to the Government. The courts gave judg-
ment according to my construction — the Treasy.
authorized stay of execution that application might
be made to the Legislature for relief as no other pow-
er of the Government appeared competent to afford it
Congress declined interference, discharged the com-
mitte and transmitted the cases for further order to
the Comptr. Here your last letter left the affair
which on the part of Congress seemed equivalent
to a direction to let the executions issue. Was this
the impression at the time, or had the Treasy. adopt-
ed any more opinion concerning the law or the merits
of the cases?

I wish you would also inform me whether the ex-
Justices2 of the District of Columbia have revived their
application for a mandamus agt. the Secty. of State;
and what appeared to be the opinion of the most sen-
sible and dispassionate men in Congress as to the Ju-
dicial manaoeiuent of that subject The motion you
know for a rule was dismissed but the Chief Justice
in assigning the reasons of the court not only admit-
ted the right of the applicants to redress but point-
ed out (in terms sufficiently explicit to be under-
stood) the mode of obtaining it.

A 3 question of vast magnitude to the whole state
of North Carolina and especially to the inhabitants
of what is called Lord Granville's part of it is to be
decided by the same gentleman at the ensuing Federal
court at Raleigh. It is not possible that as indi-
viduals we are in any danger of losing, or of even
being disturbed in the possession of our estates by
the decision: — but nevertheless as a public question
it is entitled to attention and as citizens of a com-
munity so deeply implicated both in its political
character and its pecuniary interests, it is natural
that we slid, feel an unusual degree of solicitude.
The payment of quit rents alone (even since the
Treaty of peace) unconnected with any question con-
cerning the right of soil wd. produce very j>reat em-
barassments: — a decision of both agt. us would be at-
tended with the most serious consequences. I think
I have heard some years ago, that a similar 4ques
tion was decided in the courts of Virginia in relation

,JAMI> >l'Kr\T lll-K.KIC.M, M< >\o< ,K A1MIS 57

to the title and claims of one of the Proprietexi there
perhaps Lord Fairfax, ami thai our presiding Judge
first as Counsel on the part of Lord 1*\ and after-
wards in \ irtuo «»f a joint interest was concerned and
liad the principal management of the cause, I am
not sufficiently informed to say whether there is any
anlaogy in the cases, and it" there be, whether the d<
visions in Virginia were of a nature to increase or
diminish our apprehensions. It is probable your
neighbor ' Judge Hall understands this subject fully.
Perhaps it has been considered at the seat of Govt.
Be >«> rood as to favor me with your ideas, and in-
formation upon it. —

I have lately seen, and not till lately the pam-
phlet of Aristides, 6 in vindication of Mr. Burr. It
indicates a degree of rancorous irritation among- men
in the State of New York of which I had supposed
the atnerican character was not yet susceptible. It
is indeed to be lamented, that instead of union and
affection we slid, discover in any part of our country
such evident symptoms of deep rooted animosity and
distraction. Contemplating- scenes of civil discord
the great and good Jos. Addison might well exclaim
4 'Gods what havock doth ambition make among your
works."

Yours sincerely, Adieu

Jno. Steele
Nathaniel Macon Ksqr.

Let me know if you please to what part of the
country Mr. Orr has removed from the City of
Washington. I wish to write to him but do not
know by what mail.

J.S.
Civilians are not better agreed on any point in the
whole science of Govt, than that party spirit is the
evil genius of republicks and that the dangers to be
apprehended from its excess are in exact proportion
to the degree of freedom enjoyed within, and the re-
moteness of hostility from without. This considera-
tion alone slid, induce virtuons men in high public
Stations who derive thence an increased portion of
influence in society to endeavor not vainly to depre-
cate its existence, for in the nature of free govern-

58 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

merits it cannot be prevented; but by the inculcation
of wise, just, and patriotic maxims of administra-
tions to moderate its effects, which is all that is at-
tainable or perhaps even desirable. A cooling- reg-
imen is best calculated to preserve unimpaired the
health and vigor of the american body politic, and
to give proper employment and direction to its in-
tellectual powers. With respect to the Southern
States I am sure this treatment is necessary and
would prove salutary. Those who recommend a
difft. course are weak passionate or ambitious men;
some of them sincere perhaps in their opinions, but
certainly not profoundly skilled in the leading prin-
ciples of civil society, the nature of man, and the
conflicting interests of our country geographically
considered.

NOTES.

1 See note to letter of 26 February, 1804.

2 The Supreme Court, in Marbury vs Madison, held that
while it had not original jurisdiction it did have appellate
jurisdiction. Marbury however did not bring suit in the
lower court, probably because he had only a five year term,
and so much time would elapse before he could get a dceree,
the gain would not justify the expense.

3 Earl Granville alone of the Lords Proprietors refused to
surrender his one eighth title to Carolina. His share was al-
lotted to him in severalty in 1774, being- the land between the
Virg-inia line and 34° 36' N. He sold many tracts reserving
quit-rents. The test suit brought by his heirs ag-ainst Win.
R. Davie and Josiah Collins was tried in Raleigh before the
circuit court of the United States, Judge Henry Potter pre-
siding-. Chief Justice Marshal declined sitting because of his
connection with similar claims before going on the bench.
The jury decided against the plaintiffs and they appealed to
the Supreme Court of the United States. The appeal was
not prosecuted. Great Britian had accepted three millions of
dollars in discharge of debts due her subjects, but the states,
being only recommended to restore confiscated lands, never

iwn >I')U-NT IIISTOUICAL MONOdKAl'IIS 50

complied. Win. Gaston was leading counsel foi the Gran-
ville heirs and Duncan Cameron for the defence.
nolo to next letter.
6The pamphlet of "Aristides'1 was in behalf of Burr, a
ricioua attack <>n bia opponents, the Clintons, Livingston,
Hamilton and others. The author was William Peter Van

Ness.

'Judge John Hall afterwards Supreme Court Judge of
North Carolina.

Macon to Steele,

Rock Spring- 2 July 1804
Sir

I yesterday had the pleasure to receive yours of
the 22 ultimo: and sincerely regret that it is not in
my power, to give such an answer to your enquiry
concerning- the fate of the Rhode Island petition as
would please myself, before leaving Washing-ton and
after I had finished my business with the Treasury &
bank, I called at the Comptrollers office with no other
view, than to ascertain, whether he had finally deter-
mined the case, and to enquire what that determi-
nation was, provided he had made one; He was not
in the Treasury department at the time: I however
understood, though not officially that he had decided
in favor of the prayer of the petition; on what ground
the opinion was formed I do not understand; The
decision made by you, would I am sure have been con-
firmed by the H. of R. and I entertain no doubt but
there were some, who voted for the reference, under
the belief that the decision would be confirmed by the
present officer, without perhaps reflecting much on
the nature of the reference, This opinion is in some
measure entertained, because the vote to refer was
taken without debate, and I know that there were
members, who are in the habit of speaking who ap-
proved of your decision; I also understood, that the
present officer wa> exceedingly sorry that it was re-
ferred

I have not heard any thing of Medeterranian af-
fairs more than you have seen in the papers, Though

60 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

I believe the P-would willingly be at peace with
them as well as the rest of the world; provided peace
would be had on fair & honest principles; This
opinion is formed only on the general conduct of the
man

The case of the heirs of Lord Granville is not now
talked much of, with us, it is generally said he will
not recover; and most, if not all seem satisfied with the
opinion; I have not heard the opinion of any Law-
yer or Judge. It was made an objection to the treaty
negotiated by Mr. Jay, that it would at least induce
the heirs to put up a claim and Mr. Tracey * of Con-
necticut, then in the house examined the question, and
declared detidedly that the heirs could never recover
one foot

The Fairfax claim2 was purchased (as I have un-
derstood, or rather as well as I now recollect, what I
formerly heard,) about the time of the treaty, suits
were brought, Mr. Marshall was a partner in the pur-
chase, his brother James made the contract with the
English claimant, whether Mr. M. appeared as coun-
sel for the plaintiff I do not recollect, but he certain-
ly was in fact, the leading counsel, whether he
appeared at the bar or not; The State of Virginia
and the purchasers of Fairfax at last compromised
but I do not know on what principle the compromise
took place .

Patience will bring everything right in a free
country, and if contrary to my expectations the claim
is supported, we must exercise the same patience,
which we have done, on other great questions, The
assembly I hope will not touch or meddle with the
subject at their next meeting

Permit me to assure you, that the sentiments of
respect which you have expressed are & always have
been reciprocated by

vrs sincerely
(Genl. John Steele Nathl Macon

Salisbury
No Carolina)

NOTES.

'Uriah Tracy, Senator from Connecticut; a lawyer; member

JJJOfl BPSTTV1 m- i - - 1 >• i « • a I . Mitvu.i; kPHl Si

of House oi Representatives 17(>.; t<> 1796 and of the Senate
1796-1807. He contended (a) thai North Carolina succeeded to
Granville's, as well as the crown lands, by the Art of Indepen-
dence. (b)Nortli Carolina's claim was good bj Acts <»t Con-
fiscation, (c) That the treaties of 1783 and 17(>4 conferred
right only on those who owned lands at those dates. It was

reported that the Granville heirs had received .£60,000 from
the British treasury as compensation for their losse

Thomas, Lord Fairfax, of Greenway Court, in the Noth-
ern Neck, between the Potomac and the Rappahannock. He
owned over 5,000,000 acres of Virginia lands. He died in 1781
devising part of his estate to his nephew Denny, afterwards
Lord Fairfax, a resident of England. Messrs. Marshall, Col-
ston and Lee bought the interest of this nephew. After liti-
gation, John Marshall, attorney, also one of the purchasers,
in 1796 made a compromise with the state, which was carried
into effect by an Act of the Assembly. The devisee of Lord
Fairfax, and their assignees relinquished all claims to those
Fairfax lands, ''which were waste and unappropriated at the
time of the death of the elder Lord Fairfax, and the state of
Virginia relinquished all claims to lands specifically appro-
priated by the said Lord Fairfax to his own use, either by
deed or actual survey." The act was passed "on the petition
of sundry inhabitants of the counties of Hampshire, Hardy
and Shenandoah."

Macon to Steele.

Washington 12 Deer. 1804
Sir

This place has during the present session been
one continued calm, no political event has hitherto
produced any warmth on either side, nor is there yet
a motion made, which will change this happy state
of affairs, but a report which must be made on the
petition of those generally denominated yazoo men,
will probably destroy the quiet of the session, this
opinion is formed rather from former debates, than
any thing that I have heard since coming here; Not-

62 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

withstanding this temperate state of the house, the
intercourse between those of different politics, is not
more frequent than formerly;

The city is uncommonly dull, and houses increase
faster than inhabitants a few new ones are building-,
while some of those already built are not inhabited,

Georgetown has improved a little particularly the
streets since you saw it.

It is believed by those who pretend to be best in-
formed, that Tripoli2 will soon be compelled to peace;
if this should be the case, and the European belleger-
ent powers not infringe our neutral rights, we shall
soon be in a situation to reduce the tax on some im-
ported article,

This letter will convince you, that nothing but a
desire to write to you, could be the cause of writing
— yrs truly

Nathl Macon.
(Genl. John Steele
Salisbury

No Carolina)

NOTES.

1 In 1795 four land companies, b}r bribery as was believed,
obtained from the General assembly of Georgia grants for
about 35,000,000 acres, about half of the territory between
the Georgia line and the Mississippi river, for $500,000 or
about one and a half cents per acre. In 1796 a new legisla-
ture passed an act revoking the sale, and many of the stock-
holders surrendered their contracts. Many, however, sold
their claims to persons in New England and elsewhere who
stood in the light of innocent purchasers. In Fletcher vs.
Peck the Supreme Court sustained their title, the repealing act
being unconstitutional. In 1802 Georgia ceded the territory
west of her limits to the United States. The purchasers from
the grantors of 1795 applied to Congress to perfect their titles
or compensate them in money. John Randolph opposed them
fiercely and succeeded in postponing action for years. In
1813 Congress compromised the matter for $5,000,000, paya-
ble out of the sales of the land in question.

JAMES SIMM M I HISTORIC \l. I'HH 61

It is noticeable thai Randolph was defeated For this Con-
gress i»\ John w. E}ppes. A.b1e commissioners, Madison. Gal-
latin, Levi Lincoln, with James Jackson, Secretary Baldwin
and Governor Milledge, had recommended a compromise.

Steele to Macon.

Salisbury Jany. 17th, 1805.
Dear Sir,

About four weeks ago I had the pleasure to re-
ceive your much esteemed favor of the 12th of Decem-
ber and wd. have acknowledged my obligations to
you for it sooner, if an entire failure in the arrival of
our Mails sin'ce that time (occasioned by uncommonly
deep1 snows) had not prevented me. Your kindness
in remembering an absent friend is entitled to the
best return which a sincere and grateful heart can
make: — mine I trust you will always find duly sensi-
ble of your attentions and devoted to the cultivation
of those friendly dispositions which in every situation,
but especially in a retired one, constitute a principal
share of our best enjoyments. — In private life, it is
natural that a man should appretiate highly the of-
fices of personal regard, and when these come, like
yours, from one of a difTt party name they win upon
the heart not as friendly attentions merely but as in-
dications of candor and liberality rising "superior to
the prejudices and passions of the times. To the
want of a sufficient degree of this same spirit of can-
dor and liberality is to be ascribed that distance and
reserve which you inform me still continue to be kept
up among the Members of Congress — This state of
things, however we may unite in lamenting its exist-
ence is an evil not to be cured while both parties be-
lieve or pretend to believe, the fault to be with their
Opponents and not with themselves as if virtue and
vice were synonomous with party distinctions —
Those who in a party sense have been Federalists (for
you must notice here as in former letters that I speak
of that party as having been, because it was in my
opinion dissolved at the conclusion of the late gener-
. al2 peace when the French revolution terminated, and
our proclamation of neutrality of 1793 and the great-

64 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

er part of the measures which grew out of it had their
effect) charg-e 1-2 of your party with maintaining" the
odious doctrine of a general expulsion of all who are
called Federalists from office, and the other and better
because less unjust and irrational half, with the toler-
ation of those who are in but the rig-id exclusion of
all who are out. This last, they say, not less than
the first is a departure from the broad and generous
principle avowed in the President's inauguration
speech, which is the only one that can or ought to
last, and that indiscriminate exclusion for matters of
opinion with reference to our disputes, is in effect not
merely to "call by different names brethren of the
same principle" but to treat one class of brethren
worse than Aliens. Althoug-h the Federal party in
the sense which I have supposed the proper one may
be dissolved, the individuals continue, and notwith-
standing- the submission of many of them to the will
of the majority in chang-ing- the Administration, their
explicit approbation of some of the acts of Govern-
ment since (particularly the acquisition of Lousiana
and the measures adopted for the reduction of the
Funded debts) an entire cordiality in their intercourse
with your party, either in or out of Congress, is not
in the nature of things to be expected, while their in-
discriminate exclusion is either openly vindicated, or
tacitly adhered to as a maxim of administration. It
would well become a man of your independence and in-
fluence to inculcate the injustice and narrowness of
such a sentiment, and that being-, thoug-h in a less
violent degree than expulsion, a species of political
persecution you may easily show that it cannot stand
a temperate and enlig-htened examination. Another
reason will of course occur to you, that from the tend-
ency of elections in some of the States it must have
become manifest of late to the g-ood men of your par-
ty, that in southern sections at least they have more
to apprehend from another quarter than from the Fed-
eralists, and that however complete your party tri-
umphs may seem to be, they cannot have beneficial
and permanent effects, unless you guard agt. the arts
and violent counsels of your Exclusionists. Had Majr
Franklin3 understood this subject better, had he
turned his eyes in time to the quarter whence real op-

JAMBS SPKi'NT EDSTORIOAL MOIKM i:\PR8

i».»siti«>n came, he might perhaps been continued six
\i's. Longer! M Here my friend, Ie1 your own reflec-
tions supply the rest, what I ha?4 suggested has af

least the merit of being disinterested, and proceeds
from that unreserved confidence which has charaeter-

d all my inter. nurse with you: an intercourse be-
gan when opinions were free, long before political

differences were sharpened into animosity, and sus-
tained without interruption through the most viru-
lent seasons of it.

Not having seen a newspaper for some weeks, ow-
ing- to the detention of four mails I am as ignorant of
what is going on at Washington since the date of
your letter as the man in the Moon. These privations
which <»nly disappoint my curiosity a little are not
however without their advantage, for they leave my
mind more unoccupied and better fitted to pursue a
course of reading which keeps me employed with the
hope of becoming a more intelligent and useful mem-
ber of society. In this pursuit I have moved on for
two years past with greater assiduity and success than
in any other equal period of my life; a good arrange-
ment of my little estate leaving me but few cares or
interruptions except such as proceed occasionally from
the want of health in my family, and these visits
which are only autumnal I shall endeavour to pre-
vent after another year by a temporary residence an-
nually at the Botetourt springs4, or some other civil-
ized place where I can keep my wife and children well.
Twenty acres of cotton more than my overseer at
Lethe is preparing to plant for the next crop will en-
able me to do this, and then ( - my own health being
already quite robust) I shall be as happy as peace of
mind, and good will to all the sons of Adam can make
me. Of this long, and the misanthrope would per-
il aps say shabby list, there is not one who would
serve you with more pleasure or who is with greater
sincerity and truth your friend than the one who now
wishes you an happy new yr. and many of them, full
of honor and uninterrupted satisfaction

Adieu

Jno. Steele.
Nathaniel Macon Esqr.

House of Representatives

66 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

It will require some greatness of mind on both sides
to search dispassionately for the causes of this,
and still more perhaps to apply a rational and
well timed remedy.

There are times when passions are necessary but
such are not the present. Your best Doctors and
Dr. Macon among the rest, I have no doubt
recommend a cooling reg-imen as the best means
of abating that fever which has broug-ht, and
must if not checked continue to bring- noisy and
inferior men into places of distinction. You
want, especially from the Southern States, clear
headed, well informed, virtuous men: — whether
your chance of obtaining them be increased or
diminished by the doctrine of exclusion is a very
simple question.

NOTES.

1 A similar snow fell in North Carolina in 1857.

2 The Treaty of Amiens, March 25th, 1802, negotiated by
Lord Cornwallis and Joseph Buonaparte, concluding the war
between England and France and their respective allies.
The peace proved to be only a truce and was ended in 1803.
General Steele's notion that the Federal party came to its
end in 1802, proved to be illusory. Jefferson seemed to ap-
prove it when he said in. his first message; "We have called
by different names brethren of the same principle. We are
all Federalists — all Republicans."

3 Jesse Franklin, U. S. Senator 1789-1805. State Senator
1805 and 1806. U. S. Senator again 1807-'13; Governor of
North Carolina 1820-'21. In 1805 he was defeated by James
Turner.

4 In the mountains of Virginia.

Macon to Steele.

Washing-ton 19 Jany, 1805
Sir

This Session of Congress has not hitherto produced
a fact, worth writing which ma}7 not be seen in every

JAMKS BPKl'M IIISTOKK M

news paper in the r. s. It is possible I may ba^
told you this once before; The debates have gener-
ally been conducted with moderation & temper not-
withstanding there has been a subject or two, which
in their nature must have very much interested the
feelings o! many; of this kind is the present trade to
St- Domingo; which is chiefly carried on by armed
vessels, without authority for arming, and mostly it
is believed in articles contraband of war; The armed
vessels as well as their warlike .carg-oes are under-
stood to be sold in the Island at very high prices;
This kind of trade must I conceive produce the same
sensations, in the European governments, who have
colonies in the West Indies, as it will produce in the
states whose population is not all of the same condi-
tion and color; The Government of France \ which
has not yielded the idea of conquering- the Island, and
reducing- the inhabitants to the situation they were
in before the revolution; may view this merchantile
project, in rather a more strong light, than the other
European Nations; A bill to regulate the arming of
merchant vessels has passed the H. of R. and is now
before the Senate, The bill is scarcely strong enough
I fear, to produce the desired effect, when the great
profit of the trade is considered

To restrain if possible, by law the violation of our
neutrality and our neutral rights in our waters, will
be a subject of some difficulty, the opinions which
have been expressed on this point are various indeed,
no decisive vote has yet been taken b}* which an
opinion may be formed, as to the result, '

The British Government are I am informed deter-
mined to enforce their navigation law2, This will
probably if rightly carried into execution, give some
uneasiness to our Merchants & navigators, and may
possibly during the present session give rise to a
motion or two if nothing else; This determination
will doubtless produce in the U. 8. many projects to
countervail, almost every politician will have a plan,
and each of them will fancy his own quite certain to
produce the desired effect; Whenever a step shall be
taken <m this ground, must be examined in the most
deliberate manner; it effects may come t<> every man

68 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

at home, It will also produce as serious consequences
to the people of Britain.

I have not heard, who the new 3 attorney general
is to be; before this you have seen that Mr. Lincoln
has resigned — It is reported, that there is some dif-
ficulty in getting- one to accept

We have a very severe and very dull winter in the
city- I am Sir yrs truly

Nathl Macon
(General John Steele
Salisbury

No Carolina)

notes.

1 The eastern part of Santo Domingo under the Spaniards
was not affected by the rebellion in the western part 1791-
'97. In 1795 Spain ceded its rig-fits in the island to France,
In 1801 Toussaint Louverture ruled the island. In 1802 the
French occupied it, but were driven out of the western part,
retaining their hold in the eastern until 1809, when the Eng-
lish captured Santo Domingo and Samana and gave them to
her ally Spain.

2 The chief object of the navigation law at this time was to
prevent Americans and other neutrals from carrying- French
and Spanish sugar from the West Indies to Europe.

3 Robert Smith, of Maryland, was transferred from the
Navy Department to the Attorney Generalship. After hold-
ing the office for a few months he was appointed Secretary of
State. In 1811 Madison replaced him by James Monroe.
He was succeeded in the office of Attorney General by John
Breckinridg-e, grandfather of vice-President John C. Breckin-
ridge; Senator from Kentucky 1804-'05. Caesar A. Rodney,
of Delaware, was successor to Breckinridge, who died in
December, 1806.

Macon to Steele.

Washington 3 March 1805
Sir

I have received your letter and owe you answer,

JAMi I i HISTORICAL MON<». i : LP 0 I

which I have QOt l»r tor. a i \ ■» n ; i .in only BOW say wli.it

von knmv, thattbe sesstoc is almosl at an end, and

that I am truly

Yrs.
Niitlil Macon
Debating a bill to add to tbe pension list

(Genl- John Steele

Salisbury

No Carolina)

NOTES,

Endorsed on this letter in Gen. Steele's hand writing is the
following, doubtless his mode of cultivating his plantation
Lethe.

1806 Vh
1806

18(X>

side 50 cotton 'Peg H.

outs
wheat

66 corn

4() oats

Barnf

60 wheat

1 Bottom

80 corn

wheat

cotton

60 earn

66 cotton

corn

oats

'«

wheal

65 oats

66 wheat

Total. 860

ten -

66 cotton

' Names of his different fields. We can only guess that
Ch. side is Chilly side and Peg H. is Peg- Hill. Barn field and
Bottom are sufficiently plain. The list is printed in order to
show tbe rotation of crops adopted by Genera) Steele, as well
as approximately the size of his farm. As plantations in his
day had a generous quantity of woodland. I conjecture that
Lethe contained SOU to 1000 acres.

2Ch. side was "turned out," or lay fallow in 1808.

Macon to Steele.

Washington 10 Jany 1808
Sir

The Letter yon wrote to me <>n the 20 - ultimo,came
to hand yesterday. The contents was immediately
communicated to Sir. Turner,"wbo instantly answered
that his agent in Carolina had informed him, that his
horses wer red for tbe next season, and that if

they had not, he would most willingly let you hav<
one on the usual terms; I do not know where either of

70 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

the horses mentioned by you are to stand next spring,
nor do I know to whom either of them belong-; Whip
was last year in Georgia

Mr. Turner informed me that he expected the pedi-
gree & performance of his horses would be published
in the news papers, he has them not with him, or I
would send them to you He also informed me that
Magic would stand this season in your neighborhood
and that he would sell one; I was this morning at
Genl. Blount2 lodgings, where the conversation turn-
edon horses, he had in his possession several volumes
of the Sporting Magazine he turned to one, and
read an account of the winners for 1806, in which
Mountaineer a son of Magic won 13 times that year

It is I think quite probable that all the stallions of
note, are engaged before this for the next season

I am sorry that you should make any apology for
writing, your letters are always gratifing and accep-
table, & I have more spare time than usual, because
my health will not permit me, to be engaged so zeal-
ously in business as formerly

What is to be the result of our disputes with foreign
nations God onlv knows; The last account from Nor-
folk is that Mr. Rose3 was still on board the Frigate
in which he arrived, It has been said that the neces-
sary orders were issued for his landing before his ar-
rival, and that they had been repeated since, I know
nothing as to the truths of these facts, but give them
as I have heard them; France will probably now ex-
ecute her decree,4 of the 21 Novr. -6, against G-Bri-
tian; This if done, will be felt by us and will I think
add to the difficulty of settling our affairs with Great
Britain and there seems to be difficulties enough al-
ready to puzzle the wisest head; France & G. Britain
may be compared to a Tiger & Shark, each destroy-
ing every thing that comes in their way, their late
conduct to Denmark and Portugal, without recurring
to any other fact is enough to establish the propriety
of the above

By the public prints you have discovered, that Con-
gress have made very liberal appropriations5 for for-
tifications and gun boats, to this liberality I have no
claim; the first seems now to be almost useless in

JAMES SPKUN'i iii>i<>i;i< \i. KOftOORAFHI 71

Europe, .ind .is to the Be< ond, we ought to have a lit-
tle more experience before we adopt it tern of
defence,

I am very much & sincerely
Yrs.

Nathl Macon
Mr. Steele.

NOTKS.

'Governor James Turner.

letter of September 15, 1802. Note 1.

'Thomas Blount of North Carolina. Lieut, at Eutaw,
Major General of militia. Representative in Congress 1793-
»99, 1805 W and 1811-12, died in Washington City. Februa-
ry 12, 1812. He was a younger brother of General and
Senator Wm. Blount.

3Georg-e Rose was British minister to the United States
1807-08 to settle the difficulty arising from the attack on the
Chesapeake by the Leopard. The President had issued a
proclamation, interdicting all armed vessels of Great Britain
from the waters of the United States & forbidding all supplies
to and intercourse with them. Vessels in distress or bearing
dispatches were excepted. Mr. Rose under instructions re-
fused to consider the question of the Chesapeake outrage uu-
' his proclamation should be withdrawn. The President
offered to withdraw it on the same day that the reparation
should be made. This was declined on the ground that the
proclamation was offensive. Mr. Rose likewise objected to
including the right of searching merchant vessels for British
seamen. As no agTeement was reached he returned to En-
laud. In 1809 the affair was settled, the act of Captain Hum-
phrey of the Leopard was disavowed, the men taken from the
Chesapeake restored and provision for the sun is offered.

The British minister announced that he considered the non-
intercourse act of the preceding session as placing France and
England on the same footing and hence was willing to offer
reparation.

72 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

4 The Berlin Decree. It declared the British Isles in a state
of blockade, and all British merchandise, even on neutral vessels
to be lawful prize. It greatly injured the United States.

In 1793 and 1794 England prohibited trade with France.
November 11th, 1807 a sweeping" order was made prohibiting
trade from the United States to any European country
under Napoleon's power.

5 103 gunboats were built. Thomas Paine was employed to
defend the policy of relying- on them. He endeavored to show
that seventy four g-uns on seventy four vessels would do twice
as much damage as seventy four g-uns on one vessel, and
would cost much less. The experiment was not successful.

Macon to Steele.

Washing-ton 20 Feby 1809
Sir

I have received the letter which you wrote to me
on the 29 Ultimo, our affairs are still as perplexed as
ever, what course Congress may take during the ses-
sion, relative to our foreign affairs is yet doubtful in
my opinion

By this mail I send you a message of the Presi-
dent, which is a valuable collection of the wrong-s
that bellig-erents have inflicted on neutrals
I am much & sincerely

Yrs.

Nathl Macon
(Genl. John Steele
Salisbury

No Carolina)

Macon to Yancey.

Buck Spring- ■ 20 June 1820
Sir

I have received your letter of the 2-iustant, and
thank you for the trouble about the linnen, if you
should g-et it, it will answer for another year, but as
it is now too late for this; trouble yourself no more
about it, if however you have got it, send as before
requested

JAMB8 BPBUM1 H1BTOM0AL MOMOQB4PM W

As I never < 1 i < l nor never shall shy hog ' only

know, wli.it was to be seen or heard about it at the
Last session, much was done ami more openly about
the Missouri compromise than I ever witnessed be-
fore; I have no doubt, it would not have taken place,
had not the administration, and the supposed leaders

of those opposed to it. declared in favor of it. alter
Storrs1 motion had been rejected; which would have
given two decrees more to the people of the south;
The history <>l the transaction is too long lor a let-
ter: of the great men at Washington, Crawford 4 I
think rather stands highest, though he not so high
as he has done; Monroe has no opposition in Con-
gress, nor has he much real support, it is a sort of
calm, all looking beyond him; Adams has a few warm
supporters, a part of them from local considerations,
and others for his violent defence 5 of the attack of
the Spanish forts in Florida; Calhoun stands well
with the military; the manufacturers not so well as
formerly, though well enough, and with those for in-
ternal improvements very high Clay stands high with
the two last mentioned, what his plans are I know
not, had Tomkins 6 have been elected Governor, he
would no doubt have been a candidate or rather run
for the Vice President, I should not be surprised, if
he attends the next session of Congress

I have no desire for any place & shall attend the
next session of Congress, because the Missouri ques-
tion, may return on the admission of the state to the
union; If Holmes 7 & Hill should be elected Sena-
tors from Maine, they will strengthen the Senate on
the question, which is now believed to be strong
enough for the admission, but may weaken the H.
of R.

I sincerely hope you may call here on your way to
Halifax, I am very desirous to see you; The last
was the most disagreeable session I ever attended,
though I have seen some more hot & boisterous

R. King8 has I think lost ground, with his party;
l>inkney'9& Smith' ' replies to him on the Missouri
bill. Lessened his reputation as a statesman and pub-
lic speaker, or rather his own speech done it: Re-
member me in right down good will to your wife &

74 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

children I should be truly glad to see them believe
me your friend

Nathl Macon
(Mr. Bartlett Yancey

Caswell C. H.

No Carolina)

NOTES.

"Mr. Macon's Plantation home.

2 Often used by Mr. Macon. The word is undoubtedly met-
aphorical, taken from "beating- the woods" for shy, or run-
away hogs.

3 Henry R. Storrs, of Connecticut; settled in New York.
Representative in Congress, 1817-21 and 1823-31. His mo-
tion was that slavery west of the Mississippi should be inter-
dicted in the territory north of thirty eight degrees.

4 William Harris Crawford, of Georgia. His paralytic
stroke was not until the summer of 1823. He never recovered
his vigor of mind and body though he long clung to the hope
of being President. He was Secretary of War 1815 to 1816,
and Secretary of the Treasury 1816 to 1825.

5 The seizure by General Jackson of the posts of St. Marks
and Pensacola, and the fortress of Barancas, on the ground
that the Spaniards harbored hostile Indians and instigatad
invasions of the United States. John Quincy Adams, was
Secretary of State. The House of Representatives sustained
Jackson by 91 to 65. . Calhoun, the Secretary of War, disap-
proved Jackson's course. After . several years, Jackson
learned this from Crawford and became hostile to Calhoun.

6 Daniel D. Tompkins, of New York, Vice President from
1817 to his death in 1825; Governor during the war of 1812.

7 John Holmes, Senator from Maine, 1820 to 1827, and
1829-'33.

Mark L. Hill was a Representative from Maine, 1821-23.
John Chandler was the other Senator from Maine, 1820-'29.
Maine was admitted into the Union April 15th, 1820.
8Rufus King; Born in Massachusetts; Delegate to the Con-

JAME8 SIMM \1 D8TOUK VI IMIS 75

tinental Congress, L' and to the National Constitu-

tional Convention, 1787; Removed to New York City, 1788;
United States Senator, L789 *%, and l813-'25; Minister to
Civ.it Britain, 1796 1803, and again L825 ':<,.

'William l'inkuey, of Maryland. One of the Commis-
sioners under Jay's Treaty. Minister to Great Britain, 1706-
'11; Attorney General of United States, 1811 '14; KYjh
tative in Congress, 1816; Minister to the two Sicilies, then to

Russia, 1816 '18; United States Senator, 1820, to his death
in 1822. Alter his speech in reply to King-, the latter shook
his hand and said, 'kSir, you have acquitted yourself to-day
as i scholar, a statesman, and a gentleman."

IO William Smith, of South Carolina, was Senator, 18l7-'23,
and 1826-'31; twice refused appointment as Justice of the
Supreme Court of the United States; Removed to Alabama
in 1833; was opposed to nullification.

Macon to Bartlett Yancey*

Washing-ton 29 Jany 1824
Sir

It was said of old, that one good turn deserves an-
other; They may not be of equal value; though the
ire of each may be equally friendly; The opin-
ions of the court of Kentucky,-' & your reasons for a
new trial, have been received, for which accept my
thanks; A Juryman is not allowed to be a Judg-e of
law, but only of facts, unless in criminal prosecu-
tions; hence it is not fit for me, even to attempt to
decidr between such mighty law characters; It may
however be allowed to observe that in trials, of the
very greatest importance; if the shadow of doubt
exist in the mind of the Court a new trial ought to
be granted; nay where the interest of a whole society
may be .it stake, it might be worthy oi a Court, to
grant a new trial, to convince the most interested;

that his case, was not decided without a patient &
vigilant investigation

The constitution of the V . S. ought to be executed,
as it was explained by its friends in the state conven-

76 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

tions which adopted it; The same remark will ap-
ply to the amendments which have been made to it,
to take by construction or implication more power,
than was claimed by them; seems to s avour of de-
ception, nay almost of a fraud on the people; One
reason for adopting- it, was to gt_t clear, of paper
money & to have but one currency in the nation; Un-
fortunately however power has been assumed to es-
tablish banks & they issue a paper currency, which
is not of the same value, in the same state; Credit
is the effect of property or good character; unless the
morals be perfectly sure, it often shakes both; nego-
tiable paper of all sorts; results from Credit & that
from want of money, which is rendered more scarce
by the use of credit; which was intended to supply
the want; Every kind of negotiable paper adds to
the evil & increases the tendency to render money
more Scarce

I fear these observations are too old fashioned for
you, though they were once, in g-ood repute with the
old republicans: as they are out of fashion, they are
only intended for your own eyes, & not for those of
any other person; That happiness & prosperity may
attend you, & all that are near and dear is the sin-
cere wish of

yr. friend

Nathl Macon

Add that the currency of banks is alien, in states
which did not establish them, & that all debtors are
liable for hard money: Indeed the branch banks of
the U. S. are almost alien to each other & to the
mother bank

NOTES.

1 Bartlett Yancey was a lawyer, and one of the most influ-
ential men of his day in North Carolina. He was a Repre-
sentative in Congress, 1813-17; Speaker of the State Senate,
1817-28. He declined the mission to Peru, tendered by
Adams.

2 Mr. Macon probably speaks of Briscoe vs. Bank of Ken-
tucky, 11 Peters, 257, which decided that the bills of a bank

JAM»> IPROV i BlflTOBKUL HOUbOB U 77

chartered by .1 state are no1 "Mils of credit/1 which, are pro-
hibited !>v the constitution, even though the state is sole
stork holder and agrees to pay the bills in case of failure by
the bank.

Macon to Van cry.

Washington 7 Fcby 1824
Sir

If you are not al home, when this letter g-cts to
(.iswell-C-H-; II may stay in the office; or Mrs. Yan-
cey may take it, open it & read it, & then keep it for
you

It was written to a much esteemed friend, who be-
fore it was sent, came here, & as I hate to write for
or to no body it is transmitted to you, not that I
think it any great thing, but that I had rather you
had it than to burn it, which you may do

Gales & Seaton's ' paper yesterday announced the
ante caucus2 determination, & the invitation to one;
Crawford 3 is much mended since my last, & told me
last night, that he was mending- fast in every re-
spect

It is reported that the friends of Clay & Calhoun
continue to be the most industrious; & that Clay ex-
erts himself very much; I have been told that all
unite ag-ainst Crawford, & against a caucus; He
however I am almost certain lias more than 80 friends
in Congress, perhaps near one 100 — God bless you &
yours

Nathl Macon
(Mr. Bartlett Yancey

Caswell C-H-

No Carolina)

NOTES.

'Joseph Gales and William W. Seaton. Their paper was
the National Intelligencer, 1807-'60. They also published
the Annals of Congress, in forty two volumes.

2 Mr. Macon means the anti-caucus call. His prediction
was not verified. Only 66 out of 261 members of Congress

78 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

attended. Crawford and Gallatin were nominated. This
last Congressional Caucus was held February 14th, 1824.

3 Crawford had a stroke like paralysis before this and it
was used against his candidacy.

Macon to Yancey.

Washing-ton 24 Feby 1824
Sir

It is now believed here, & some say known, that
Calhoun ' has withdrawn from the contest for the
presidency; & that his friends will support Genl.
Jackson; I have heard, whether truly or not, I do
not know that the greatest exertions are to be made,
for the General in North Carolina,2 I mention this,
that you may be advised early of the doing-s & ex-
pectations here;

I have heard that a meeting- was to take place last
Saturda}7 at Warrenton to nominate the General;
when I left home a great majority in the county ap-
peared to be for Crawford, & I imag-ine are yet so; a
meeting- for the same purpose, was to take place in
Hillsboroug-h, the day not recollected
God bless you & yours

Nathl Macon
(Mr. Bartlett Yancey

Caswell C- H-

No Carolina)

NOTES.

1 Calhoun did withdraw and was nominated for the Vice
Presidency.

"North Carolina cast her 15 electoral votes for Jackson and
Calhoun. In the House of Representatives a majority of her
members cast the vote of the State for Crawford.

Macon to Yancey.

Washing-ton 31-March 1824
Sir

Since my last not much if any change is understood

SPR1 si B kFHfl

to have taken place, in relation to the presidential
election; Genl. Smith ' of Maryland told me yesterd;
thai he believed Crawford was gaining in thai state.
Some of the New England members, also say he is in
their opinion gaining there: Bu1 reports are in cir-
culation that he is Losing in onr native N-C- Did yon
only know the Pennsylvania member ' who is consid-
ered the best advised about public opinion in N. C.
vou would be surprised, if not mortified

What will be the vote of the Senate on the tariff'
bill & that for internal improvement by federal gov-
ernment not known, a near one is expected

I wish, that I could see you & your family; In the
present unsettled state of the politics of the country,
it is desirable that the republicans should be always
at their post; power once lost is not easily regained,
& republicanism must be preserved in the states, or
it cannot prevail in the federal Government. The
opinions of the states will be carried to Washington,
and that of the people ought to give the tone to both
governments

I never was more tired of a session than this, & am
growing old faster than is wished; it is the course of
nature, to which all must submit; I cannot speak a
half hour without being hoarse

Crawford was mending he told me, on last friday
very fast; Mrs. Miller4 continues to look well & is as
lively as you ever saw her, always enquires after you;
That God may preserve you & your family in health
& happiness is the sincere wish of your old friend-

Nathl Macon
(Mr Bartlett Yancey

Caswell C-H-

No Carolina)

NOTES.

1 Samuel Smith, of Maryland, in the House and Senate 1793
to 1822 and Senator again 1S3.V35.

3 1 can only guess that it was Daniel H. Miller.

3 Passed the Senate and became a law. That for Internal
Improvements was also passed.

4 Probably tin wife of Daniel H. Miller, Congressman from
Pennsylvania.

80 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

Macon to Yancey.

Washing-ton 6 May 1824
Sir

Since the receipt of your last letter nothing- has oc-
curred worth notice, more than you will have seen in
the news papers: when Congress will adjourn God
only knows, perhaps in this month

It is very probable, that N. Carolina will be the
place of great electioneering this year and that some
who do not now live in the state will either take it in
their way home, or visit it for the purpose of advising
the good people of the state for whom to vote for
President & Vice President; those expected to visit
for the purpose, are the friends of Jackson I mention
this that you may be advised of my opinion in due
time; it is supposed that King * & Moor2 of Alabama
& Eaton3 of Tennessee will take the route, it is the
nearest way for King, but for the others I do not
imagine it is. As this is only opinion, it is intended
for yourself alone,

The tariff4 will I fear pass, it depends on two men
in the Senate both from New England, who will
finally I suspect vote for it, provided they can get a
few alterations to suit them

I never was so tired of being here; nor never wit-
nessed so much shyhogging: the subjects are the
presidency, internal improvements, & the tariff, one
is over, others yet on hand

I want much to see you, & should be equally glad
to see Mrs. Yancey, but do not expect that it will be
in my power to get to Caswell;

Lowrie 5 has certainly so far got the better of his
opponents; The President has contrived to g-et him-
self in an awkward situation; nothing it seems to me,
can be more disagreeable, than for an old man, who
has spent much of his time in public life, to be about
to quite the service of the country, in a condition not
to be coveted;

Remember me in the most friendly terms to Mrs.
Yancey, & believe me

Yr. friend

Nathl Macon
(Mr. Bartlett Yancey

Caswell C-H- No Carolina)

JAMRS shunt UISTOUOAL MOMOORAPfU §1

NOTES.

'William Rufus King, Representative in Congress From
North Carolina 1811-*16; United States Senator from Ala-
bama lsi<»-"44; and L846-»'53; Minister to France 1844-Mf.; Vi
President L852 t<> his death, April 18, 1853; Alumnus of the
University of North Carolina.

•Gabriel Moore, of Alabama, Representative in Congress,
L82V29; Governor, 182V31; U. S. Senator, 1831-'37.

3 John Henry Eaton, of Tennessee; U. S. Senator, 1818-*29.
ntarv of War, 1829-'31; Governor of Florida Territory,

ls.;4-7>(,; Minister to Spain, 1836-*40. Published a Life of
Andrew Jackson. Alumnus of the University of North Caro-
lina.

4 The Tariff bill passed May 1824, increasing- duties on iron
and some agricultural products, by a vote in the House of 105
to 102. Seven Senators from New England supported it,
Samuel Bell of New Hampshire, John Holmes of Maine, Wm.
A Palmer and Horatio Seymour of Vermont, Nehemiah R.
Knight of Rhode Island, Henry W. Edwards and James Lan-
man of Connecticut. The vote was 24 to 21.

5 Walter Lowrie of Pennsylvania; U. S. Senator 1819-'25;
Secretary of the Senate 1825-'36.

Lowrie, who was a Crawford man, authorized the publica-
tion of a statement that General Jackson had advised Monroe to
appoint two Federalists in his Cabinet. Jackson and Monroe
denied this, but after much agitation of the subject the let-
of Jaekson, which was the foundation of the statement, was
published. It was found to contain such expressions as, "to
exterminate that monster called party spirit," "to select char-
ai ter> most conspicuous for their probity, virtue, capacity,
and firmness, without regard to party," and a recomendation
to appoint to the war department Colonel Drayton, who had
been a Federalist before the war. Crawford men at least
thought Lowrie had proved his allegation substantially, as
Macon sa}s. Jackson however was not injured.

Colonel William Drayton was a Representative in Congress

82 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

from South Carolina, 1425-'33. He was Colonel and Inspector
General in the war of 1812.

Macon to Yancey.

Washing-ton 25 Deer. 1824
Sir

A day or two before I received your letter of the
22 instant, I had written you a full Sheet, about
matters & thing-sin general; today I told Saunders1
he ought to give all the news about the shy hogging,
on the election of a president, he answered, he had
written you on the subject;

With you, I consider the present times vastly im-
portant. The question most important before the
people, & the legislatures of the Union and the
States is this, at least according to my poor Judg-
ment; Can the federal government do whatever it
deems expedient; or in other words can it promote
the general welfare in any way it pleases: if it be so
the rights of a minority are at the will of majority,
the constitution of the U. S. is either limitted or un-
limited, if limhted the rights of a minority are pro-
tected by it & do not depend on the will of a major-
ity: The majority want no law nor rule, both are
made to secure the minority; This paragraph may
be taken as part of my other letter

All parties here are I believe very anxious to know
who will be the successor of Burton 2 in the H. of R ,
I have been repeatedly asked, who I thought would be
the man: I answered, I had no information upon
which to base an opinion

Claims often heretofore rejected, will I expect pass
very easy this Session, because there are three mil-
lions of dollars stated to be in the Treasury, beyond
the demands on it, & it is possible other circum-
stances may aid to get improper claims through;
money not wanted for immediate use, had always bet-
ter be in the hands of the people: money ought nev-
er to be borrowed unless certainly wanted; people
who borrow often and much, never get rich, the
banks I think could prove this, and borrowing gov-

JAMES SIMM M HISTOKICAI, Monch ;k aimis

ernmenta ate not apt to get <>ut of debt, witn
Great Britain

The enclosed paper * contains a letter from Capt.
Porter, on which no comment will be made, if (i.

Britain was in the place of Spain, a war might be
expected

The Senate4 has not acted on the bill from Hu-
ll, of R. the object of which is to take possession of
the mouth of Oregon (Columbia) river: I do not
covet distant posts, the trade in the South Sea, lia^
been carried on ever since we were a nation; & now
all at once; a post must be maintained there, and
ships of the navy must be sent to protect a trade.
which has been carried on, without protection, a fleet
in the South Sea, another in the Mediterranean, and
another which is actually needed in the West Indies;
do not calculate on economy, when money can be bor-
rowed at less than rive per centum: those who hold
the public debt, never wish it paid, its value depends
much, on its being- considered permanent

The rulers5 of a nation, ought not to be in debt,
if a just and economical administration is desired by
the people; whoever is much in debt can hardly be
perfectly free, he is dep°ndent on his indebtors: and
a nation in debt always has its strong arm of defense
tied fast, the longest purse being the longest sword;
whether in public or private life, those in debt, are
generally projectors, under the hope that every new
project may afford them some relief or make them
rich; & the law under which the debts were contract-
ed, are not always the laws, by which they desire the
payment to be made or enforced

i have now done as I did in my last, written much
more than was expected when I begun

That you, & your whole family maybe well & d<>
well is the sincere wish of
Your friend

Nathl Macon

notes

RomulttS Mitchell Saunders, Representative in Congress
from North Carolina, 1821-27 and 1841-45, Judge and Attor-

84 THE^UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

ney General in North Carolina; Minister to Spain, 1846-'49.

2Hutchins G. Burton, Representative in Congress 1819-
'24, when he was elected Governor of North Carolina.

Willis Alston was elected in his place and served 1825-31.
He had already served 1803-19. His unsucessful competitor
in 1803 was Wm. R. Davie.

3 Commodore David Porter in suppressing- piracies landed
an armed force in Porto Rico. The Spanish Government pro-
tested. He defended himself on the ground that the Spanish
authorities were in complicity with the pirates and that his
action was necessary. He was court-martialed, convicted of
disobedience of orders and suspended for six months. He re-
signed and was for awhile in the service of Mexico. He re-
turned to the United States and was appointed Minister to
Turkey by Jackson.

4 This measure was championed by Mr. Floyd of Virg-inia,
whose main arg-ument was that it would be of advantag-e to
the whale lishery and to the trade with China and India.
It was objected to because of the inaccessability of the Ore-
gon country and the likelihood that if the country should be-
come populous, it could not possibly be incorporated into the
Union. The vote against it in the House was 100 to 61.
The Rail Road system has destroyed the force of these ar-
guments.

John Floyd, Representative from 1817 to 1829; Governor of
Virg-inia 1829-'34. He was father of John B. Floyd, Govern-
or of Virginia, 1850-'53; Secretary of War, 1857-'60; Briga-
dier General of the Confederate States.

5 Probably a thrust at Clay, who wasoften involved in debt.
Once his debts were discharged by his friends, James C.
Johnston, of Ed en ton, being one of the number. He is said
to have been much addicted to gambling". Webster was also
very careless of pecuniary obligations, but as he was not a
candidate for the Presidency, Mr. Macon hardly had him in
mind.

JAMES 8PRUNT HISTORICAL MON< ' 8fi

Win. Barry Grove to Janus Hogg.

Philadelphia, March 17, 1791.
I teai Sir

I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter of the \Z\\\ Feby under Cover of your oblig-
ing favor of the 2Sth from Wilmington: In reply to
the former I cant help wishing you bad been at New-
born,1 as I think lis probable you could have devised
something that might have been favourable; your in-
formation however of the good spirits and firmness of
our Western friends afford me some Consolation, and
I heartily join you oc them in promising- ourselves
better times, & fairer Representation 2 in our Genl
Assembly. As a Trustee ; rely on rny attendance and
rtion at Hillsboro, where I hope to be if I am
alive to assist so far as in my power to promote the
Institution. — As to the late Assembly doing- more,
harm, than good, so far as their proceedings have
gone respecting the Ordinance 4 matter I join you;
tho they have done good in Lending the Univ. 5000 jQS
and I am indeed pleased at the extension of time &
priviledges allowed our Canal Company;6 as to the
other business I have heard or seen little more than
merely the Caption of the Laws passed, from which
one cant judge; and in\ friends while at Newbern were
not as communicative as I had reason to expect, from
my attention to them.

I am really concerned to understand that business
is dull at Fayettex ille, your reason for it I think alto-
gether probable, to encourage Commerce at our little
Town ought to be the Wish of every friend to Cape-
fear.

You surprise me when you say Moore7 has not de-
livered the Lock. I hope he does not mean to let the
Winter pass awav, and keep us aback another Sum-
mer for Want of that Lock — I approve of the plan
for the first Lock, the upper works which it seems is
most likely to decay can be repaired at small expense
you say that the Lock now to be undertaken by Mr
Monroe is for the Second Seat, where is the One at
present finished to be placed-— I shall before I leave
this Country at the rise of Congress make myself
particularly acquainted with every information and in-

THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

teligence relative to the proposed Navigation in this
State &c &c agreeable to your directions — I am glad
Mr Hay8 can afford any assistance toward facilitating-
the Work on my account; tis what I have much at
heart. —

I am glad you have receiv'd Mcintosh9 and that it
pleases you. — before now you will have heard of the
final passag-e & ratification of the Post-office & Post
road Law, and that our 'elder Sister Wilmington and
her Sons, have no just cause to exclaim at a Want of
attention to their interests in the regulation of the
Post roads; the old route as you speak of from Vir-
gia. by Edenton, Washing-ton, & Newbern is contin-
ued to W. ton, and We have added to this a Cross
Post from Wnton to Fayette, far be it from me to at-
tempt, (if I had it in my power) to do any thing- that
should, injure the Town or Citizens of Wilmington;
I have always been convinced that the true interests
of that Tozvn and of our own was the same, the}7 are
surely by Nature inseperaoly connected, and why
should they be jealous of each other; I Could Venture
to pronounce the man who wishes to Create any other
sentiments, as an Enemy to both places; it would be
like parting- Man & Wife When we reflect on the
circumstanees and manner which the More interior
parts of our State have been heretofore treated on
the subject of Posts, We are the persons who should
complain — I may venture to say with great safety,
that had the present new route been established at
the Commencement of the New Governt. our Citizens
would not have been so shamefully pillag-ed of their
Certifes.10 as they have been for want of a conveyance
of information among- the people, this has not only
been a real loss to individuals but to the State; had
our own People held their Paper Credit, they would
have g-ained the advantage of the increased Value,
and become friends and attached to that Government
which they Now in some measure abhor — Mr Hamil-
ton thinks as I do on this subject, and expresses real
Concern at the event: since North Carolinas future
importance begins to be known from the riches &
Population, our Ministers &c will be cautious how
they recommend measures in opposition to our Will
and interests.

.IAMKS SIMUM HISTORICAL M< » \< H , R Al'l Is

It appears to me Indeed that the Apostate" T-y in
his late vote and * ondud was a< tuated by Chagrin &
resentment of them, he lost sight of the true interests
of liis Constituents tu gratify auch passions, be is not
tit to represent Freemeii, and should be, .is I think he
will ho dispised by those who were before his friends,
and thereby become a proper example for future pub-
lic Characti rs,

I am very happy our Saw Mill proprietors arc like-
ly to good Market for Lumber. I think it
probable the disturbances in the We Indies will have
an effect to keep that article in demand. —

The subject of the Cession " of our Western Lands
at the late Treaty with the Cherokee Indians, is most
undoubtedly a very important and interesting event
to the Citizens of No. Carolina, and I apprehend will
i>e a perplexing affair to Congress: The papers rela-
tive to that business came enclosed to Doer. W-n n
and are now before Congress, but as the Session is so
near a close and so much business to be acted on be-
fore that affair can be taken up, that I fear no de-
cision u can be had on the subject before we rise,
however every attention shall be paid it. The Mem-
morials of the No Carolina Merchants'5 have been
read and referred to the Committee of the Whole
lb -use but has not vet be n taken up; every person
confesses the peculiar hardship of their Situation,
but seem to think that Congress have not the power
of redressing the grievance, I have myself long- con-
ceived the Citizens of our Country under these Cir-
cumstances in a very deplorable situation.

It was generally believed when Mr Hammond first

ae to America that some Kegociation would be af-
ted wh. might put things with respeel t • t.u-
aty, & Commerce on a proper footing; but latterly
I have heard it suggested that there is little proba-
bility of those important events being brought about
just now. between Mr II- and our Executive this in-
formation is not from tin- best authority indeed that
wouid be in a measure impossible to be attained
the Senat-.rs are not very communicative on any mat-
before them. —

( Jong :«(i in a t r. ublesonie in-

vestigation for some days past «mi .1 Contested EJlec-

THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

tion from Georgia between Genel. Wayne & Genl.
Jackson; the Election is set aside and a New appoint-
ment must take place.

The Indian operations have induced a pretty con-
siderable augmentation of Troops, consequently the
expenses for the defense of the frontier is greatly
increased more funds for this end than the Surplus
in our Coffers it seems will be necessary — I suppose a
Loan will be the plan — as a further tax would be
highly impolitic at this time. We expect before the
rise of this Session to amend the Excise Law by re-
ducing the tax 8 Cents, and ameliorating the other
parts as respects searches &c &c &c—

As I send the papers regular^ to Fayettevilie to
be filed at Col, Dekeysers for the inspection of the
public, I beg leave to refer you to them generally for
the News of Philadela. &c. , and also my other friends
who I hope will demand a perusal of them when ever
they please; the information they contain will possi-
bly be a little stale before they reach Fayettevilie but
when we get the new line of Posts established you
shall hear from the Capitol in 8 days or 9 at farthest,
after the 8h of June, I hope you will encourage the
publishing of a paper at our Town We can certainly
Support so desirable a thing —

There can be no excuse for want of News when the
New Posts are fixed —

I am sincerely sorry to hear Mr Huskes18 health
still continues so unfavorable, and of the many deaths
about Wilmington this Winter —

I would ask pardon for the length of my letter, but
when I reflect that if We were only together for 15
Minutes I could communicate much more than it con-
tains about Locks, Canals, Politics &c &c. I think the
apoligy unnecessary — Be so good as to remember me
to all friends — Believe me with respect and esteem

Dear Sir

your friend

& very Hum Sert.

W. B. Grove.

Philadela. March I7h-1792
James Hogg esq

JAMBS 8PKUNT HISTORICAL MONOGRAPHS

NOT

Tin- ('.oiHT.il Assembly me( .it Newborn in 17'H.
\\\ the Constitution of 1 770 each county was entitled to
one Senator and two members of the Bouse of Commons.

Many eastern counties were small and sour- western had ton
times as many voter*. The irregularity was partially rem-
edied in 1835.

'( )t : the University, chartered in 1789. The meeting was
on the 4th of August, 1792, and it was then that the Board
chose by ballot Cypritt's Bridge in Chatham county as the
centre of a circle of thirty miles diameter within which the
institution should be located. The Commissioners of Loca-
tion, were, Frederick Hargett, Senator from Jones county,
Alexander Mebane, of Orange, soon to be a Representative in
Congress, James Hogg, merchant of Fayetteville, Wm. H.
Hill, a Representative in Congress, David Stone, likewise a
Representative in Congress, and Willie Jones, of Halifax, a
very influential citizen, not then in office.

4 The Convention of 1788 enjoined upon the General Assem-
1)1 y to take steps for locating the state capital within a circle
of twenty miles diameter of which Isaac Hunter's plantation
in the county of Wake was the centre. This was very offen-
sive to the people of the Cape Fear valley and of the regions
\w st because they desired the capital to be at Fayetteville.
The Act carrying out the ordinance was therefore displeasing
to (irove.

'Equal to $10,000; for the purpose of finishing the "Old
Bast'1 Building, the first erected. The loan was afterwards
coiner ted into a gift.

6 The Canal Company was organized to make the Cape Fear
navi gable to the junction of the Haw and Deep rivers in the
county of Chatham. A town, called Haywood, was there
laid out and was expected to be a considerable commercial
city.

infractors for the Canal Company. The locks being of
timber soon went to pieces.

90 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

8 John Hay, eminent lawyer of Fayetteville.

9 Sir James Macintosh's Vindiciae Gallicae, published in
1791, as an answer to Burke's eloquent assault on the French
Revolution. It was very popular in America as long as the
French fever lasted.

10 One of the strongest arguments against Hamilton's
scheme of funding the debts of the United States and of the
States was that original holders of the certificates, had sold
them at a great sacrifice. James Jackson, of Georgia, after-
wards United States Senator and Governor, said, "Three
vessels have sailed within a fortnight trom this port, freight-
ed for speculation; they are intended to purchase up the State
and other securities in the hands of the uninformed, though
honest citizens of North Carolina, South Carolina and
Georgia." Hamilton's plan prevailed after much opposition.

11 James Terry, Senator from Richmond county, did not
stand by Fayetteville in the desperate efforts of her friends
to secure the location of the seat of Government at that town.
He was probably influenced by General Henry W. Harring-
ton, of his county, one of the Commissioners who selected
the Raleigh site and after whom Harrington Street in
Raleigh was named.

12 By the treaty of Holston, large areas were given up to
the Cherokees. It was ratified in 1786. By a new treaty,
that of Hopewell, in 1791, much land was yielded to the
whites but the rest remained with the Indians. These In-
dian lands were mainly in Tennessee and in Georgia.

13 Hugh Williamson, then member of Congress from the
Kdenton District. He was Professor of Mathematics, Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, 1760-'4; Surgeon General of North
Carolina during the latter part of the Revolutionary war;
member of the Continental Congress, l784-'86; delegate to
the Constitutional Convention of 1787; Representative in
Congress, l790-'93; removed to New York; died May 22, 1819.
He published "Observations on the Climate of America;"
History of North Carolina, 1812; and many papers qu scien-
tific and political subjects.

I'KI N I HISTOKK M. MONOOK U'MS 01

Iti L783, North Carolina opened a land office to receive
entries of land in the limits ,»r wh.it is now Tennessee* for
the redemption of military and other certificates. Many ror-
ireya were made and grants issued. By the treaty of Holston,
most of the territory was yielded to the Indians, North Car-
olina protesting through her agent and General Assembly.
Thomas Person and many other claimants of these lands pe-
titioned Congress for proper compensation, which was refused.
Subsequently they were granted rig-lit of preemption when-
ever the Indian title should be removed.

15 On the subject of seizure of our ships. An order in Coun-
cil of Great Britain had been interpreted to authorize the
seizure of all neutral vessels carrying- provisions to France.
This interpretation was afterwards disavowed, but not until
much damage had been done.

16 Georg-e Hammond was the first British minister to the
United States, and Thomas Pinckney was the first from the
United States to Great Britain. Hammond arrived in 1791
and left 17%.

17 General Anthony Wayne, after the Revolutionary War,
settled in Georg-ia on a plantation given him by that state.
James Jackson was a prominent officer of the Revolution.
He was a Representative in Congress, 1 789— '9 1 ; Senator,
l793-'95 and 1801-'06; and Governor of Georgia, 1798-1801.
General Wayne was unseated in 1792 on account of irregu-
larities in the election. In the same year he was appointed
to be Commander-in-Chief of the army and conquered the
Northwestern Indians. After being unseated he declined to
run again and was succeeded by John Milledge.

"Mr. John Huske, a merchant. He was son of the Private
Secretary to Governor Burke, who was captured by Colonel
David Fanning-, with the Governor, and carried off to Wil-
mington. He left numerous descendants.

Grove to Hogg.

Dear Sir

For want of a Senate there could be no business

92 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

done untill the 20th Nov. when a quorum of that
Body were present and enabled the Machine to pro-
ceed; the day following- the President laid before both
Houses his communications & details of the state of
the Union during- the recess of Congress — I have no
doubt but you have seen a copy of his speech or ad-
dress, and the answers of both Houses thereto as they
have been inserted in all the newspapers, these pa-
pers contain all of the news worth relating- here, and
to them I refer you, as the object of the present is
only to inform you that I presented your letter
& memorial1 to all the Gentlemen from No C.
agreeable to desire, who I doubt not will do all in
their power to obtain redress for the Petitioners.

The memorial it is thoug-ht should not be presented
untill the Deeds &c. are here, as tis on their authori-
ty the claims are founded. I mention this to induce
you to hasten them along-: dontlet any one Letter ex-
ceed 2 oz weig-ht when you forward the deeds, if by
post. — was there no existing Law of the State, Proc-
lamation of the Crown or other Lawfull Mandate, for-
bidding- Individuals or Companies of Subjects from
purchasing- these Lands at the time of the Indians? in-
formation on this, or any other subject that may occur
relative to the business may be necessary.

Remember me to all my acquain fences about your
place, and believe me to be with. respect
Sir

Your Hum Servt.

W. B. Grove

Phila. 4th Deer. 1794.

Mr. John Hog-g-2 left this on the 1st for Carolina,
he will inform you, the taxes of your Land in Ken-
tucky must be paid before April, or they will be sold-

James Hog-g- Esq.

NOTES.

1 Memorial on the subject of the Transylvania land hereto-
fore mentioned. The grants of North Carolina and Virginia

.1AMKS SPRTJKT HISTOUICAI, M')N«>lii;.\!'IIS M

available after the extinction of the Indian title. See
tfexl letti

"John II«»l;l: was a COUsitl and a partner of James Hogg.

Grove to Hogg,

3d Apl. 1794.
Dear Sir

I had begat! to form conjectures what had he-
come of you. and whether our late misfortunes in Fay-
etteville might not incline you to forget that Town
&t those belonging to it. Your obliging letter how-
ever of the 6th March relieved me, and gave me con-
solation to find you had not lost sight of the interest
of that unfortunate Spot, and that of its inhabitants —
The Assembly leaving us so soon was to me an unex-
pected, and mortifying circumstance, and the late Fire
seem'd to add misfortune, on misfortune — but still I
hope we shall not be among the last — I hope yet to
see our Town rise above its misfortunes and its ene-
mies— As I presumed before now you have seen all
that has been said by Mr. Jefferson on the one part,
and Mr. Hammond on the other Relative to inexecu-
tion of the Treaty, I need say nothing on that subject
as the Correspondence & Reasoning will wince [con-
vince] any Man on which side the Reason & justice
of the investigation Rests; In answer to what you
ask respecting Mr. Jeffersons disapprobation of the
measures of the Executive, I am informed they did not
extend to the steps taken against Mr. Genet &c the
Letters on that subject were quite consonant to his
own feelings as an American, but tis said he differed
on some subjects with the other heads of Departments
while the President was in Virginia — the Circum-
stance of his moderation adds to his honor and worth
on thatoccation, as I have heard the Case; the 'French
Privateer Little Democrat, would have been Fired on
on &c had he not refused his assent, the Consequenc-

might have been attended with much evil at that
time —

It is a Melancholy thing that such virtue as that
mair possesses should ever be lost to this country
while We stand in need of such Characters-his success-

94 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

or is a Compared to him either as to Virtue,

knowledge — Republicanism, or Rational (Liberty &)
Equality — Dont mistake me he is no anarchy man-
no Demagogue of the mob — But he is for a plain Gov-
ernment and Adminisu. agreeably to the Principles
and form of our Political association and Republican
form of Government — ITe is for no Heterogenius
introductions of Monarchy &c — Not even in our
forms, or amusements — Let reason and equal rights
and equal Laws obtain — The Committee on the
Western Lands3 have Reported Very favorably, but
I will not natter you on the adoption of the Report by
the Legislature, for I know the thing will be power-
fully opposed, principally on the ground that the
State had never extinguished the Indian claims &
had no right to sell those Lands — We will do what
we can — You will before this reaches you have
heard that Congress have been making serious prep-
aration for the National defence &c. Such objects
are particular requisite in a Country so unguarded as
America is at present, but that aspect which some
Conduct of Great Britian Wears, towards this coun-
try of late seems to justify & Call loudly for an im-
mediate preparation of Defence. As I expect this
letter will meet you at Fayetteville I refer you to my
Correspondence on this subject to my friends & Con-
stituents there, through Doer. Ingram, Mr. Hay, &
Mr. Taylor4 — but I cannot forbear saying to you that
the Court of St James has most unprovokedly acted
towards America an unbecoming, unjust, and perfid-
ious part — and that We have good reason to believe
(if the events in France have not Checked it) that
measures were taking to destroy the Peace harmony,
& Government of United America —

These things you will naturally suppose have
alarmed us all here, and turned the attention of Con-
gress to the objects of Self Defence and preservation.
We are taking the necessary steps to bar our Doors,
& Repel invasions — if they should be attempted —
In short We mean to act just as you would do your-
self, if your House was beset by a band of Robbers,
fly to your arms and defend your property — An Em-
bargo has been laid for 30 Days, it was principally
intended to prevent any more of our vessels fallinginto

JAMBS 8PRUNT HISTORICAL MONOGRAPHS 96

these Pirates hands of the We. Endies, until Wccould
heax more of matters in that quarter & from Eng-
land— We have information the orders issued l>\
the British Court the 6th Nov. to seize and take all
Nnitral (that is American) Vessels &c for "Legal
adjudication" has been revoked by New orders issued
8 Jany. and relaxing- considerably of former restric-
tions on our Commerce — The principal Traders and
Merchants in London as soon as they knew of the
orders of the 6th Nov. (which by the way were issued
privately), were very properly alarmed perceiving
the consequences & effects it would produce in Amer-
ica, they waited immediately on Mr. Dundas as We
are informed, Who assured them the words "Legal
adjudication" meant nothing which could affect Amer-
ican property, the Judges however Who it seems had
the intention construed to them, had actually Con-
demned great part of 250 American Vessels & Car-
goes under the orders — and We are left to believe
from that business and some other matters, these
words would have meant all the Judges annexed to
them, had not the face of Politics wore a different ap-
pearance in France on the 8th Jany, than on the 6th
Nov.—

I hope, and feel confidant that all the Wourld who
are impartial, must admit that the people and Gov-
ernt. of America, are not to blame if this Country
should be engaged in war with Britain — and even now
we shall hold in one hand the Olive branch and sue
for Peace and justice in the Name of "We the Peo-
ple of America" — Should it be refused — War I sup-
pose must be the event, and the other hand which
grasps the strength of the Nation will be used, & I
can not help thinking that the energy, force & Ven-
geance of Free America will be next to the Wrath of
G — d— I send you some papers preserve them, &
make them public —
I am

Dear Sir

Your friend

& Very Hum Sev

W. B. Grove.

Mr. James Hogg.

9() THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

NOTES.

1 '-The Little Sarah" belonging- to the British had been cap-
tured by a French privateer and brought into Philadelphia.
With the connivance and aid of Genet, the French minister, she
was fitted out as a privateer. This was against our neu-
trality laws and measures were taken by the administration
to stop her. On the assurance of Genet that the vessel would
not be ready to sail for some time, forcible measures were
not resorted to, as Hamilton and Knox advised. Genet
broke his word and the vessel, newly named "The Little Dem-
ocrat," sailed to prey upon English commerce. It was manned
by American seamen. Washington was on a visit to Mt.
Vernon.

2 Jefferson resigned in 1794. He had gained the good will
of all parties by his spirited action against the insolence of
Genet. He retired to his farm at Monticello and there con-
tinued for three years keeping himself in touch with public
men by his pen and hospitality,

3 Heretofore explained.

4 Doctor Ingram was not a public man. Mr. Taylor was
John Louis Taylor then a member of the House of Commons,
afterwards the first Chief Justice of the State of North Caro-
lina. He afterwards resided in Newbern and then in Raleigh
where he is buried.

Grove to James Hogg.

Philaa. Jany 23d— 1794
Dear Sir

On arrival here I found that Congress had just got
through reading the numerous communications laid
before them by the Executive, most of my leisure time
since has been devoted in perusing those papers
which I have accomplished and have now time to
think of my friends, and altho the information con-
tained in some of those papers produce gloomy reflec-
tions and nothing very pleasant to communicate, yet
my mind tells me I should write you things might have

JAMBS SPRUM msi laCAL MONOGRAPHS 97

been worse — as I take it for granted yon have Been all
the correspondence which passed between the Secre-
tary t>i State, & tin- French Minister I need not en-
ter into any detaiJ on the imprudence and conduct
of Moiisier Genet — I shall only remark that very late
despatches from the Kxccutive Counsel of France ex-
press regret in this misunderstanding &c and assures
the President that nothing1 of that nature shall or
can effect tin- friendly regards the French people
have for the American nation — What has passed be-
tween the Secrey of State, & the British Minister re-
specting the inexecution of the Treaty of Peace &c,
I suspect you have not seen, as it has not yet got in-
to the papers; the subject as handled by them, is in-
deed interesting dc important and brings to mind past
scenes & transactions of a tender & melancholy na-
ture— Mr Hammond states at large the Complaints
of his Court, of the Non-compliance & infractions of
the Treaty on the part of America, urging the denial
of Restoring the Loyalists, the continuation of con-
fiscations, and above all the non payment of the Brit-
ish debts & interest &c &c— to these things Mr
Jefferson has replied very fully, and in a masterly
manner on the part of this Country proved that these
charges are in a great degree not founded in exact-
ness The documents to prove his assertion are an-
nexed; he asserts that the two first subjects, the
Restoration &c, & the further confiscation, were not
by the Treaty absolute articles nor intended to be so,
by the Commissioner for Negociating Peace as ap-
pears by their correspondence &c on these subjects
at the time, he argues that the recommendatory ar-
ticles considering all things had been more fully com-
plied with than was generally expected — and that as
to the Debts No Lawful impedement exists to prevent
their recovery; as to interest, he argues and proves
by the laws of England under the present circumstan-
ces none should be demanded, & that theCommisrs for
Treating of peace understood the thing so, & left the
subject open to the power to whom it belonged, the
Judiciaries in the respective States & Jurors — I
am of opinion his reason on this subject will be
thought sound by those who are disinterested; he then
proceeds to complain of the Violations of the Treaty

THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

on the part of Gr Britain, he states that as soon as
the Treaty was known & hostilities ceased, palpable
infractions were committed under the authority of
that government to possitive articles of the treaty,
that 3000 Negroes had been taken out of the Country
altho remonstrances on that subject were made, that
No orders ever have issued for withdrawing- his Maj-
esties Troops out of our Country &c &c &c these ex-
planations took place in June 1792 since which noth-
ing further has passed on the subject, except that Mr.
J.s representation was transmitted to St James shortly
after its date and no answer yet made, only that Mr.
Pinckney1 mentions that Lord Granville2 should have
said to him he approved of Mr. J.s answer to Mr. H.s
letter respecting- the inexecution of the Treaty, from
this tis to be hoped & expected all controversies on
that score will soon he forever removed by a full com-
pliance of all things therein stipulated — Some late3
Treaties & reg-ulations entered into by Great Britain
with Russia, Sardinia, & Spain afford cause of fear
and complaint on the part of America, particularly
as regards our commerce our Trade has already been
much cramped & injured by these Reg-ulations which
added to the Neg-oceation of Gt Britain & Spain with
the Alg-erians has inflamed the minds of many to a
considerable degree; in Septr. our minister was direct-
ed immedeately to Remonstrate ag-ainst these reg-ula-
tions which amount to flagrant Violation of the Laws
of Nations as respects the rig-hts of a Neutral power;
he was also requested to make known on the 8th Deer,
the success of this business, that it should be known
before Congress adjourns— the Algerian business is of
a latter date and would have been the ruin of many in
this Country only for the Convoy granted to 40 Amer-
ican Vessels by the Queen of Portugal, who it seems
is displeased with the unasked friendship or interpo-
sition of England and Spain in bring-ing about the
Truce between her Majesty & Spain & these sad Pi-
rates, the effect of which would be to prevent that
trade to her Dominions from America which is bene-
ficial to both Nations— These things among others
heve been the cause of a set of Resolutions being
Moved in the House of Repres. proposing to lay ad-
ditional Duties on the Ma mifactures and Vessels of

JAMBS 8PRUNT l \L MONOOKU >Hfl

Nations not having Commercial Treaties with Amer-
lea, particularly to effect greal Gt. Britain so lone as
she may ref use to come into commercial Regulations
with us upon terms of just and reasonable Reciproc-
ity; many and Various are the advantages exp

from such a System of Politics; tis Baid it would un-
doubtedly oblige that Government to come upon terms

with us, & admit us into her We. Indies &c &c- that
She cannot nor will not live comfortably without our
Custom as consumers, nor without our Produce most
of which to them is an actual Necessary of Life, and
that now is the time to insist in this way for as free
a trade, as we grant them, by which means the Value
of our produce would be considerably & immedeately
inhanced, & that it would free us from those indigni-
ties and shackles in future which have been Utterly
thrown on the growing Commerce of our Country
these are some of the reasons advanced by those who's
Purity of sentiments I have no right to doubt but
who's Politics as respects this subject does not work
conviction in my Mind I am strongly impressed with
an idea that Politics, & Commerce should if possible
be kept seperate & distinct, and I can not help think-
ing it wants nothing but a little more Refinement
among Nations who are Commercial to Make it so — If
from Political Motives two powers were to engage in
War, I am fully of opinion it would be to the real in-
terest of both parties to suffer an uninterrupted
Trade — I am of opinion in this commercial subject
before Congress, Political feelings are to much allud-
ed to — I confess myself chagrined at the appearance
of the unfriendly dispositions Manifested by Spain &
Britain towards my country, yet I can not think of
doing by way of experiment to injure them, what I
feel conscious might injure the Commercial and agri-
cultural interests of America, at least for a time, the
increase of imports & Value of Exports evinces the
good state of our Trade to a Moderate degree, and
tne rapid addition of American Tonnage is a strong
proof of the advantages already given to American
Shipping by our Laws, and the improvements and
ion of Manufactures among ourselves is a
further proof of the good effects of the protecting
duties on Certain Articles — Let us not be too anxious

100 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

for the Golden eggs, they will all come in due time
tis to be hoped;and Let us not suffer the Constitution,
of the Eagle that produces them, to be impared, by
too many stimulating applications. — Congress has
several matters of moment before them but have done
nothing of consequence finally — I understood the As-
sembly have actually adjourned to Wake5, not one of
my friends have acquainted me how or when this was
done, I really did not expect this event would have
taken place so soon, pray inform me how it was ef-
fected, circumstanced as things are at the City.

I am informed the Landholders6 are to apply to this
Session of Congress for redress, you remember I told
vou all documents to prove the extinguishment of
Indian rights would be Necessary —

I shall now conclude this Long Letter with request-
ing to offer my respects to Mrs Hogg & family, and
to my other friends in Hillsboro. —
I am

Dear Sir

with respect and Esteem
your friend
& Huml sert.
W. B. Grove
N. B.

To forget saying anything of French Politics
wouklbe heincous — they as usual present to the Wourld
a new scene, Their want of moderation is still to be
lamented, but their Valour & Courage surmount every
thing, their determination to be' Free will baffle all
attempts to the contrary — they have been in a singu-
lar Manner Victorious every Where — Duke of York7
has fled to England, Coburg& Claircraft are defeated-
Ostend is taken &c &c &c &c.

I have opened this letter to contradict part of the
French News, tis now said the Duke has not fled &
that Ostend is not taken —

I will write Mr. Alves next post, be so good as to
tell him the Transfers of Inler8 has not come on from
Genl. Skinners office yet — tho it should have been
here before now

[James Hog-g Esquire

Hillsborough]

JAMES 8PRUNT HISTORICAL MONOGRAPHS 101

Notes,

1 Thomas Pinckney of South Carolina; Major in Revolu-
tionary War; Governor of South Carolina, 1789-*92; Minister
to Great Britain, L792 '94; Minister to Spain, 1 7«i 4 ■%; Rep-
resentative in Congress, 1 7**7 1801; Major General in the
War of 1812. He was the brother of Charles Cotesworth
Pinckney and cousin of Charles Pinckney.

'Win. Lord Grenville (not Granville), the Secretary of State
for Foreign Affairs, afterwards Prime Minister.

The Algcrincs held some American sailors as slaves.
Portugal had quarelled with Algiers and for some time kept
its piratical vessels confined in the Mediterranean. The Brit-
ish Consul at Algiers procured a truce by which the vessels
were allowed to pass the Straits of Gibraltar, thus leaving
them at liberty to prey on American Commerce. Eventually
in 1 Si >5 a treaty was made under which one million dollars
was paid for the release of American captives and an annual
tribute in addition. After the War of 1812 Commodore Decatur
with twelve ships forced a new treaty, granting1 an indem-
nity, release from tribute and a promise not to make slaves of
prisoners of war. Decatur then brought Tunis and Tripoli
to terms.

The treaties mentioned by Mr. Grove between Great Britian
and Russia,. Sardinia and Spain were thought to put those
nations on a better footing in regard to neutral rights than
the United States.

4 The Retaliatory Resolutions of 1790 failed. They were
brought forward again in 1794 but, it appearing that Great
Britain had modified its offensive order of June of the pre-
ceding year, its adv. vates acquiesced in sending a special
Minister, John Jay, to negotiate a treaty.

5 The General Assembly held its first meeting at Raleigh,
the Seat of Government, in November, 17()4.

[a refers to the application of Thomas Person and others
heretofore explained.

Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany, second

102 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

son of George III. In 1793 he was sent to the Netherlands in
command of an expedition to act with the Prince of Saxe-
Coburg against France. He gained no honor. The army
would have been ruined but for the able management of Aber-
cromby. He soon threw up his command and returned to
England. The Duke of Coburg, and General Clairfait, com-
manders of the Allied forces, were beaten and Belgium over-
run.

8Judge Richard Henderson, James Hogg and others bought
an immense tract in what is now Kentucky and Tennessee
from the Indians but the purchase was disallowed by North
Carolina and Virginia. Each State however gave the com-
pany 200,000 acres. This allusion is probably to deeds for
portions of this land.

Grove to General Steele.

Phila. April 2d— 94
Dear Steele

I believe you have heard from me twice since I reed
your favor of 18th Feby, in those Letters I just ac-
knowledged the rect, of yours and gave you a few
lines on the spur of the occation without replying to
the several matters contained in it; I have now set
down to fulfill your request & my own inclination in
giving ypu a full account of all things, so far as is
consistant with the length of a letter, & a regard to
your Patience in perusing it — You afforded me con-
solation by your observation on the Resoluts. respect-
• ing Commerce &c I was the only Member from the
State that did not from a Principle of Policy think
favorably of the system, Colo Gillespie1 had doubts
but they ended in a fixed opposition, & had any final
Votes been taken him'& myself would have been alone
from No. C — I really join you in the opinion that
you entertain of the Views and Policy of some of the
Dom — n Gentry, and if we Wrong them in attribu-
ting those motives to them, tis only paying them
part of the inters, of the Wrongs in that way, they
have urged on others — But the Resolutions at pres-
ent are in a trance, and if the Motives of the mover

JAMKS SHUNT HI3TOBIOAL M< >N< >< iK A PUS 100

and souk- of tin- Ad\ <>ea te^ wvtv to bring about 8 mis-
understanding between this Country A (it. Britain,
they are likely to see their Views accomplished, and
perhaps like Deamons, so evil is produced, they are

gratil'ved no matter from what Cause In answer to

your observation, relative to the Pamphleteer & liis
aid, I would not advise any man to ride a mile to Cor-
rect them, or their dastardly squibs — tho I would put
a black mark on them to know them again.

Shortly after my arrival here from the Assembly
you & vour Public Conduct was matter of conversa-
tion at our Lodging one evening-, present our friend
Macon, The HonoL John Brown* of the Senate, Colo
Blount, Colo Parker, and Colo McDowall, with some
New England Gentln. who live at Francis's with us,
and a certain Htgh Priest3 of the Jews I believe, tho
a mighty Dominion Man — Some of the Company by
insinuations &c &c, "were induced to -fear your Con-
duct was disaproved of generally in our State," & in
your own Country in particular — that you were not
fond enough of the Virg-s, or as I replyed you were
not subservient to them — You were too intimate with
Mr Hamilton, as proof he had Breakfasted with you
— "in short, time would show that the People of our
State would desert you" — I need not tell you to all
these things I did not hesitate to reply in pretty warm
terms and to lug out the monster envy which I consid-
ered had Created these sentiments — I ended by sav-
ing what I veryly believed without any flummery,
that for every Vote you had ever given, you had an
honorable & honest motive, & that you were the most
Popular Man in the State, and that before the then
ML of Assembly rose, if an opporv. offered, my
iaration would be Verifyed so that independent
of my pleasure at vour appointment of Major General
I felt my judgment at stake. The Honol- J- i
"Cauvauteu" dont laugh at the expression, it suits
the idea I meant to convey, and you know tis ortho-
dox from the Derivation; he felt for the honor of his
Honol. friend, & all the Bonol. Military Ceiitl. oi his
District &c 1 laughed, I soothed, I reasoned. I did
better, I told him as he was inelligeble from the pr<
ent Honol station he was in, I did not know a man
in the Division so proper in mv opinion as yourself —

104 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

this in a degree lulled his active soul to rest — If he
had less Vanity & a little more understanding- he
would be passable — all these things as you say are a
sort of Confidential scribble —

To give you a tolerable idea of the Worthies of
Congress is no easy job — of the New Hands however
I shall try to give you some impression of the abili-
ties &c of the Speakers so far as I am Capable of
judging- — lets beg-in at the foundation, & at North
Point — from N. H. Mr Sherebourne 6 is a man of
talents and speaks handsome, tho seldom — Massts.
Mr Dexter 7 a calm reasoner, rather refined for Com-
mon ears, a man of good sense — Colo Lyman 8 often
on the floor, not very flowery nor tedious, but a little
of Roger Sherman9 in Cun-g- — Genl. DearBorne I0 an
old Continental officer, Strong- natural sense, and in
all a pretty clever man — better fitted for the Military
than a Legislator however — C-t- Mr Swift"-speaks
sometimes — a g-ood uatured man, tho no Orator — Mr
Tracey I2 a man of humour and a strong mind, he is
of considerable Weight — tho not very refined in his
pronunciation or Lang-uag-e, he is like most of his
Country Men clear headed, knows what he would be
at, and has a tolerable manner of expressing- himself,
that others may see his object — Mr Coit I4 — speaks
very seldom, tho in my opinion with perspicuity, &
handsomely — R. I.15 — you know the old Member, &
the new one does not Speak in the House — N. Y.
Mr Watts l6 from the City is no Orator, but I believe
he is a man of pretty good understanding, Mr Gil-
bert17— Speaks correctly, tho has an impedement —
N — Jersey — no new Speaker — P-a- Mr. Smiley l8
a man who was very Popular in the State Assembly,
he is a great Demo- and taulks tolerable Well — you
know Mr Scott I9 — he is a rig-ht sensible old Man —
D20— ,all the Oratory of that State in theSenate- M Mr
Smith21 of Baltimore — a Red hot flaming- Speaker, a
good Merct. — a Warm Patriot — rather too much fire
for a Politician and a Calm Leg-islator — V-a- Mr
Nicholas22 — A good Voice & tolerable orator, he is
too warm & fond of .annexing- wrong motives to those
who differ from him — Mr. Harrison,23 a pleasant Man
and speaks pretty well — N. C. — Oh, ah — yes, true —
you are acquaint then with the Gentleman / allege —

JAMB'8 BPBtTMl ll I- I <»K 10 AL MONOGRAPHS LOfl

S. c.-- Mr Hunter ' is .1 man of sound judgment, and
ilerable Speaker — G ^MrCarnes has 1 taudsome

talents tor Speaking, but from Diffidence or other
^.iu->r^. he seldom says anything — So, I have gone

through the Continent in the lower II<m>e. perhaps I
have not done Gentlemen justice, but really I meant
not by what I have said to injure our 0/ them Now

Mr G he s. 1 good .is Step Up Stairs, and take a peep
into the Senate Chamber — That. Mighty Conclave,
where it lias been Surmized Majestic Majick dwealt,
where the illumined minds of mortals shone so bright
as t«> exclude the rays of light from Heaven — where '
it has been suggested that Dangerous Vice sets as a
Mirror on a throne, to make that hateful Monster
aristocracy lose all its proud & surly Features by
dressing it in the garb of Drusilla — The Deception
however is discovered, and the Lords, the Mighty
Lords, are to be beheld as soon as accomodations can
be prepared for the People, who in their Compassion
must behold some of them with Pity because they
may expose their Weakness in an unguarded hour —
to be short with you the Doors of the Senate are to be
open next Sessn. — when some of the Within will shew
their Nakcd?iess — I was prent at times during the
Discussion of Galatines Election, he has lost his seat,
not having been an Actual Citizen 9 years — tho an
Inhabitant 11 years or near it, he only wanted a lew
months - The Genl. 28 is still that warm and Vocif-
erous Orator you knew him — When below, he spoke
that those above, might hear, Now he wants
those below to participate — Govr. Martin29 was a
stiff Advocate for opening the Doors, and gained no
small Credit for his perseverance, & success in his
Motion —

It is indeed a very unpleasant thing to be confined
in a Close room, or indeed in a ho-l-l-w L-g * in a
Warm day — By the Lord you'l bring me into a
serape —

You ask what influence brt. Randolph in — I answer
it, by saying tis the question every one asks, and No

one can tell — I think from the genl. opinion let
what ever influence put him in, he will earrv not
much out I SOSpect even the Virginians .ire di

pleased at the appointment — but ti^ s,tid Madison

106 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

would not accept it — It is said Knox31 & Hamilton
will resig-n — I dont believe it — tho if We should have
a War, I think tis probable Hamilton will be Commd
in Chief — He is Certainly a Man of fine talents,
and altho I dislike his Politics on many subjects — I
do admire his Genius — I go very seldom to Court32
and less to Madams than usual the Theatre takes off
many Ladies — & you may often make your Bow to
her & Miss Custis and perhaps not see five Ladies the
whole eveng-. — I suspect your remark that a Man
should make his Nod on Tuesdays to be remembered
is true enoug-h — you know however the Man, what-
ever he may think he says little on any subject — altho
I think he is more relaxed in his conversation than
formerly —

I assure you I felt concerned on hearing- of the
Death of the old Genl. 33 — I sincerely wish all his
family Well and am Sorry for the Girls if he had fail-
ed in making- proper Provision for them — for in my
opinion they are Deserving- of every thing- that should
make them Happy there not having- Fortunes would
not lessen their Worth in my Mind — and if I remem-
ber Well I thoug-ht Pol-y- a remarkable fine Woman
— I wish then both well Married & very Happy —

"Hey ho-so, she has^/ it at last has she — Does
Anderson become a Member of your Town? I told
* Genl. Lock34 the Widow was renewing- her age, &
that I expected she would Captivate him when he g-ot
home — Your apology for what you call trifles in
your letter was not necessary, every thing- relative to
a Mans Country & acquaintences is interesting to him,
more especially when he is from home — and such lit-
tle anecdotes are to the mind, what Syllabubs, Cus-
tards and ice Cream are to the Stomack after a
hearty meal, they tend to assist digestion and qualify
the Cruder substances, as I mean to beg-in a new
Sheet with a New Subject I must end this space with
this subject — then such trifles assist, and tend, tend;
to fill up a Sheet as I have done this, & as Boys eat
bread to fill up chinks

I believe Mr Macon & myself have Warned you of
the threatening- Storm, I assure it has a dark appear-
ance— Orders were privately issued from the Court
of St James on the 6th Novr. to all the armed Ves-

JAMBS 8PRUNT HISTORICAL M<

107

sols &c of his Majesty^ to seise all Neutral Vessels
bound to or from the French Islands and take them
as Lawful prize &c our trade to Prance lias been
knocked up by b similar order in Augt but it being
made public our Merchants & Vessels conducted ac-
cordingly and no wry great injury was done further
than preventing us pursuing a fair & profitable trade
remonstrance was made and a promise in part to
restore property &c however this further order of oth
Nov. was issued and put in force before our Minister
at London knew auv thine of the business — he wrote
on 25th Nov. — when he informs us Lord Grenville
expressed great respect for the Americans & their
Neutral rights — that his Majesty was pleased at their
prosperity and a D — n deal more such stuff — when at
that very time or a few days before they had issued
orders to Seize & Condemn all our Vessels which
were on a fair Commerce, for the Americans were al-
lowed to trade to the French Islands before the Death
of the King- nearly 2 years — We have received with-
in a few days a taulk Delivered by Lord Dochester to
the Indians, full of hints and insidious language,
pointed at the Und States — he tells them tis not un-
likely his Master may be at War with us — &c &c.
and that they shall find a Friend in the British Peo-
ple either in Peace or war — that We have forfeited
these Lands & Ports or words to that amount — ( )nr
Consul at St Eustatia has given us a few days ago an
account officially of the Depredations & Spoliation
Committed by the British Creuzers under the order
of the 6th Nov. upward of 250 sail American Vessels
arr taken, 150 Were Condemned — and the same fate
awaits them all — you must at once see the effect these
things added to all other injuries produces in the pub-
lic mind against that faithless Government of Gr.
Uritain — In Novr. last that Perfidious Court full of
hope & Conscious «>t" siieoess, from her uncommon ex-
ertions ,v that of the allies against Prance — had be-
yond any Manner of Doubt formed a plan of Ruining
the Commerce of America, and our growing Marine,
of prostrating us once more at her feet where No
Mercy is to he expected and perhaps all powerful by
her allies she meditated a Serious design of Subju-
gating Freedom, Liberty & Republicanism, in Amcr-

108 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

ica, that Spot where the Sacred flame first appeared
in modern times, and I hope it may never be extin-
guished but by a total annihilation of the Very Earth
itself — That such a plan and System has been Con-
templated by Britain & her Combined Despots begins
to appear as clear as day — They thoug'ht Conquer-
ing Prance & Dividing- it would be Nothing, While
Freedom and the rights of Man in a rational sense
remained triumphant in America, that spot where
French Men Caught the Never dying flame, the ef-
fects of which has Shaken Europe to its Center, and
made every Tyrant Shudder on his Throne — I say
they thought reducing France to her former Misery,
would be but half the Work, they premeditated the
putting the ax to the root, and that must be done in
the United States — What a Scene of horror does
the very idea present — and what feelings do they pro-
duce in an American breast — America the assylum
for the oppressed and Virtuous of all the World,
where even Vice itself loses its powers in a measure,
because there exists little inducement to be Vicious
— Where all Men enjoy under a System of Laws equal
rights, & equal advantag-es, Where the rights and in-
terestfe of Strangers are guarded & protected in a
peculiar Manner — Where the Citizens & the Governt.
in their intercourse, with other Nations, . treat them
with Friendship, Justice, & open Candour, Where the
Subjects of all Nations can dwell in peace & safety,
pursue their several occupations, and retire with all
their Effects to their Native Country, loaded with the
Wealth they acquired among us — under such circum-
stances is it not wonderful, is it not Melancholy,
that there should exist a Set of Men, Combined by
fell ambition — to Destroy the Peace & harmony of
such a Country — Yet such has been the Case I do
believe — and had not the French been so graciously
successful the last Winter, I suspect American Blood,
would have mingled With the Cut throats of Europe
in our own Country before Next Jany —

But the Republican French have been uncommonly
Fortunate in repelling their Enemies, so much so as
to give a strong hope Peace may be expected, or at
least the fangs of the Lyon are so blunted as to appre-
hend less danger from him — and John Bull begins to

) \M1> sl-KI \l MIsToKICAL MONO* iKAl'IIS 100

be tired of the buaineas tia believed Tho we bav<
ret gol Nothing from Mr Pinckney smut Novr. —
An Embargo ia laid for .><> days, it maj be the means
oi making Sir Cha Jervia and bis troops in the We
[tidies keep tent; until we know more ol matters — tho
we have bv way of We Indies a New Set of instruc-
tions of the 8b Janv — annulling the orders of the 6th
Novr. and giving Americana some little more freedom
of trade, but We will shew them before We are Done.
Americans dotlt intend to obey the King & Counsil —
aa our lore Fathers did; they order Matters better in
America Now — a Resolution has been under Discus-
sion for two days proposing to Sequester all British
debts to be pd. into the Treasury as a fund to pay
the Amern. Citizens in case Justice is not done them
by the British Go vert — 1 confess I do not like to
meddle with private Contracts, but really I see no
other mode of Securing such a faithless Governt. to
Keep the Peace & Do Justice —

We have a plan before us for organizing 80 Militia
— I send you the plan as Reported, to raise 800 More
Men to guard the Several Ports and Provisionally
15000 Regulars in Case of War these things will as-
tonish you I am sure, tho they are only propositions
— I am for No other force than the Young Men of the
Militia from 18 to 25 — or so and particularly while
tia Not Certain we shall Want no other force — The
increase of Expenses, Fortifications, purchasing arms
&c &c &c will make the current expenses upwards of
five & one half Million Dollars for 94 — the probable
Deficiences of Revinue is 2,340,000 Dollrs. deducting
the probable Deficiences of impost — I am one of 15
— a Committee on this subject to report ways &
means — We have done Nothing final yet, we had a
Meeting yesterday, & had Secry H — before us, he ap-
peared cursedly Mortifyed- Those on the Commit-
tee who had been always opposed to References to
him on this Subject made no great Show — I ex-
pected Mr Madison would have come forward with
some System but he did not — I suspect We Shall
Kmploy the Secry yet — Stamps on Law papers &
a Mgnments was proposed be taxed as one fund, Car-
riages of Pleasure, and finally Land — I really fear
We shall be obliged to lay a small tax on Land, or

110 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

Polls What do you think- Will the People run
the risque of leaving our Country in a defenceless
State rather than pay a Land tax —

I signed a paper a few days ago drawn up by Haw-
kins, addressed to the People of the State, tis to be
in Hodges paper- I dont know that it Can do any
harm, but on reflection I wish I had not put my Name
to it — Macon was the only one that did not sign it
— all our acquaintences are Well — Farewell my
Dear Sir and iet me hear from you — Adieu

W. B. Grove

Genl. Steele

notes.

'James Gillespie, of Duplin County, North Carolina; Rep-
resentative in Congress 1793-'99, and 1803-'05. He supported
the Resolution, for retaliation on England.

2 John Brown; delegate to the Continental Congress from
the Kentucky District 1787-'88; Representative in Congress
l789-'92; one of the first Senators from Kentucky 1793-1804.
He was the last survivor of the Congress of the Confederation.
He died in 1804.

Thomas Blount of North Carolina. Representative 1793-
'99 and 1805-7; again 1811-'12. He died in 1812 and is buried
at Washington. He was Lieutenant in the Revolution and
afterwards Major-General of Militia.

Josiah Parker, of Virginia; Representative 1789-1801.

Joseph McDowell, of North Carolina; known as of Quaker
Meadows; fought at King's Mountain; opposed the adoption
of the Federal Constitution in 1788; Representative in Con-
gress, l793-'95, and again 1797-'99. Some say that Dr.
Joseph McDowell, of Pleasant Gardens was the Representa-
tive of the latter date.

3 1 suggest that Albert Gallatin is here meant. He had
been refused a seat in the Senate because he had not been
naturalized nine years. He was not a Jew but being a for-
eigner and especially odious to the Federalists by his having
been concerned in the Whiskey Insurrection and by his ag-

IAMK- M'i;i NT HI-HHJh \l, M< >N< M >U AI'IIK 111

gressive ability ;is a leader of the opposite party, Grove niaj
have suspected tli.it he was of that religion, which was then

more unpopular than in recent years. Gallatin was a Repre-
sentative from Pennsylvania, 1795-1801; Secretary of the

Treasury, 1803-*14| Minister, with (May, Adams, Bayard .'«nd

Russell to negotiate the treaty of Ghenl in 1814; Minister to
France !815-'23; Minister to Great Britain lS2f>-,27. Removed
to New York City, where he was President of a Bank, of the
New York Historical Society and the United States Ethno-
logical Society. Died 184(>.

4 1 am doubful as to the identity of this gentleman. Spruce
McCoy, of Salibury was a State Judge at that time and "Hon
J-e"( Judge) may mean him. There is no evidence that he
was in Philadelphia. Matthew Locke of Salisbury was a
member of Congress but was never a Judge. Perhaps he had
been Chairman of the County Court and Grove may have given
him the title sneeringly.

5 This word is an Americanism, corrupted from curvetting,
i.e. prancing around.

6 John Samuel Shenburne; lost a leg in the Revolutionary
War; Representative 1793-'97; U. S. District Judge from New
Hampshire, 1804-'30.

7 Samuel Dexter; a Federalist; Representative 1793-'95;
United States Senator 1795-'99; Secretary of War, May 13,
1800; of the Treasury, December 31, 1800; a leading prac-
tioner before the Supreme Court of the United States. Pub-
lished a poem, "Progress of Science," and a volume of Speeches
and Pamphlets.

8 William Lyman, Brigadier General of Militia; Represen-
tative, 1793-'97; Consul at London 1805-'ll.

6 Roger Sherman; a Judge in Massachusetts and then in
Connecticut; delegate to the Continental Congress, 1774-'84;
delegate to Constitutional Convention of 1787; Representative
in Congre^. 1789-'91; Senator, i791-,93. His high reputation
will hardly be diminished by Grove's charge of "cunning."

10 Henry Dearborn; resident of Maine, when a part of Massa-

112 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

chusetts; Major General of Militia, 1789; Representative,
l793-'97; Secretary of War, 1801-'09; Senior Major General in
the war of 1812; Minister to Portugal, 1822-'24.

"Zephaniah Swift; Representative, l793-'97; Chief Justice
of Supreme Court of Connecticut, 1806-'19; Member of the
Hartford Convention; Published some law books on legal sub-
jects.

12 Uriah Tracy; Representative, 1793-'96; United States
Senator, 17%-'1807. Died at Washing-ton, 1807.

14 Joshua Coit; Representative, 1793-'98; died 1798 at New
London of Yellow Fever.

15 The old member was Benjamin Bourne; the new, Georg-e
Leonard.

16 John Watts; Representative from New York City, l793-'95.
I7Ezekiel Gilbert; Representative, 1793-'97; was a lawyer at

Hudson, New York; Paralyzed, 1812, and was a sufferer for
thirty years afterwards.

18 John Smilie; Born in Ireland; Representative, 1793-'95
and 1799-1813. Died 1813 at Washing-ton.

19 Thomas Scott; Representative, 1789-'91, and l793-'95.

20 Delaware. The Senators from this State were then Hen-
ry Latimer and John Vining-. Vining- was a frequent speaker,
Latimer not at all. Probably Grove had in mind the distin-
guished Georg-e Read, who resigned in the latter part of 1793.

21 Samuel Smith; a Revolutionary Colonel; Representative
1793-1803, and 1816-'22; Senator, 1803-'15, and 1822-'33; Com-
manded Maryland troops in repulse of British at Baltimore,
1814; Mayor of Baltimore.

22 John Nicholas; Representative, 1793-1801; Removed to
Geneva, New York; Member of State Senate and County
Court Judg-e. To be distinguished from Wilson Cary Nich-
olas, deleg-ate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787; U. S.
Senator, 1800- '04; Representative, 1807-'09, and Governor of
Virginia, 1814-'17.

23 Carter B. Harrison, Representative, l793-'99.

24 John Hunter; Representative, 1793-'95; U. S. Senator,
1797-'98; a farmer.

.1 LMF.S SPK1 NT IIISTOKIl \l ill 1 19

■•Thomas P. Carnes; Bom in Maryland; settled al Milledge-
rille, Ga.; Attorney ( renerai; Judge of Supreme Court «>t (
gria; Representative, 17(>.V95.

Tlio Senate >.»t with closed doors until 1795. This was
very unpopular, especially in North Carolina where the cus-
tom had been for the members of Congress to appear before
the General Assemblies and report their actions.

James Jackson; Senator from Georgia, 1793-'95. He was
a Representative, 1789-'91.

"Alexander Martin. Born in New Jersey; Graduated at
Princeton, 1756; began practice of the law in North Carolina,
1772; Colonel of the Continental Line at Brand}Twine and Ger-
mantown; State Senator. 1782-'85, and 1789-'92; Acting Gov-
ernor of North Carolina, 1781V82; Governor, l782-'85, and
1789-'92; U. S. Senator, 1793-'99.

30 This humorous sally alludes to the charge against Gov-
ernor Martin that he hid in a hollow log at Germanton. The
matter was investigated by a court martial, which acquitted
him.

31 Edmund Jennings Randolph; Aid-de-camp to Washington;
Attorney General of Virginia; delegate to the Continental
Congress, 1779-'82; Governor of Virginia, l786-'88; Attorney
Genernal of the U. S.,l789-'94; Secretary of State in place of
Jefferson, resigned, 1794-'95; Invited to resign in consequence
of an apparent intrigue with the French Minister, Fauchet.
IK- published a ''Vindication" of his conduct, which many
think is unsatisfactory.

: Henry Knox of Massachusetts; Major General in the Rev-
olutionary war; Secretary of War, 1789; Resigned in 17(>5.
Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, resigned the
same year.

33 Wasli in ^t nn's levees were held every Tuesday afternoon
from three to four o'clock precisely. The guests stood and he
walked to them, saying a few words to each, bowing but not
Shaking hands. The levees Of "Madam." or as she was
usually called "Lad\ Washington." were on Friday evenings
8

114 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

from eight to ten, and usually were attended by the fashion-
able of the city. She was a charming- hostess. The Presi-
dent often attended and seemed to enjoy the beauty and
sparkle. Miss Eleanor (Nelly) Custis was the daughter of
John Parke Custis, son of Mrs. Washington, after her father's
death adopted by the General. She was very vivacious and
attractive. She married Washington's nephew, Lawrence
Lewis.

33 Probably General John Smith, of Rowan, who married
the widow of Moses Alexander of Cabarrus, the mother of Gov.
Nathaniel Alexander, and William, Mark and Wallace Alex-
ander, all in the Continental Line of the Revolutionary army.
Wallace was a Senator from Lincoln County. One of his
daughters married Archibald Henderson, and another, Wm.
Locke, nephew of Judge Locke.

34 Matthew Locke; Representative, 1793-97, from North Car-
olina. Mr. Grove's sarcastic allusion to a new North Caro-
lina Representative was pointed at Joseph McDowell and not
at Locke, I think.

Grove io Hogg.

6th Peby 1795
Dear Sir.

The enclosed sheet of our Journal will inform
you what was the result of the Vote in Congress on
the application by Thos Person & others for Com-
pensation for Lands in the So. We. Territory —

The subject, took up great part of two days and I
believe nothing was omitted that could be said on
either side. Mr Smith S C was an able advocate,
but the House seemed assured the Indian claims had
never been fairly extinguished since the Treaty at
Long Island of Holston in 1777 — which gave the
Indians that part of Hendersons purchase lying on
the head waters of the Cumberland River —

A proposition is now made which seems to be gen-
erally approved of, that a Treaty should be held with
the Indians & their right purchased when the Pro-
prietors of Land in that Country Would have their
titles perfected and might occupy their Property —

JAMES SPKl NT lJISTuiHCAL MONOGRAPHS 115

We have bad no determination on the Companies

Claim, i>ut from what was Sai<i on the other subject
] have no expectation any thing can be done for them
exclusively We therefore wait under a hope the
Indian claims may be purchased, or at Least that an

attempt may be made — I shall write you again on
this subject —

Mr Jay has entered into a Treaty with the British
Go vert., which We hope & believe will be favorable
to this country, altho the several articles are not
known — as soon as it arrives & is confirmed by the
President & Senate it will be published— The last
accts. from the Seat of War in Europe, they were as
usual Fighting away like Mad men on all sides The
French are still Victorious in Holland and Spain —
We were induced to believe from some late accts. that
a Peace w is desired & concluded between the French
and some of her Enemies, but this rather doubtfull —
I am

In haste

Your friend

OHSer

W 13 Grove

[James Hogg Esq

Hillsboro. No. Carolina]

Grave to Hogg.

Philaa. Jany 4th, 1797
Dear Sir

You have no doubt seen the Charges ' of the.
French against the Government of the United States
as exhibited by their Minister Mr Adet through the
medium of the public prints; this unexpected event,
Sk Strange conduct of our old allies has naturally cre-
ated considerable alarm & anxiety, the more as we
understand they are in the West Indies executing
the Decree in the most extensive latitude by seizing
& condemning all American Vessels & Cargoes with-
out paying much regard to forms, or to the Ports
from which, or to which, they are bound — these
Charges are the mere pretects thrown out to Colour
their Decree^ which is in open Violation of Treaty &
the Laws of Nations, neither of which is regarded by

116 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

them, when they stand in the Way of their present
grand design of cutting- up all commerce to British
ports, disregarding the Consequences it may have on
the Neutral commerce, & particularly on the U S. as
they know our Trade is mostly with Gt Britain —
Thus these two powerful rival Nations are inattentive
to Justice or principle, towards others; if they can do
each other an injury, they are regardless of the Means;
and alas, the unprotected American commerce is at
their mercy and they have treated it as if they knew
Not What Justice or Mercy Was —

2 The enclosed Paper contains a lengthy reply &
refutation on the part of our Government, of the
French charges of "insiduous Neutrality*' '&c &c — I
I hope there is not a real American who does not feel
as he ought on such an occasion, a contempt for such
a declaration, against the Will oi a Free People, who
desired to be at Peace with the Wourld, & have
dealt fairly with all.

That the Government of the Ud States eluded &
defeated all the plans and intrigues that has been on
foot to Yoke America into the European War has
probably given offence to the French and if using
every rational & honourable Means to Maintain
Peace in this Country, & keep free of the Desolating
War of the old Wourld has been an offence to the
good People of America, their Government has bee?i
guilty of it — It is to be hoped the Negociations
going on at Paris may speedily terminate the War,
otherwise our Commerce to Foreign Countries will be
in a great measure ruined, & the Government will of
course be driven to the necessity of a Direct Tax,
which subject is now before us to be in readiness for
Deficiencies of import & Tonnage —

Mr Adams is Elected President,3 & Mr Jefferson
Vice, — this is as we both wished, if I remember —
the latter Gentleman will serve, & expresses satisfac-
tion at the Election of Mr A — whos Character &
Patriotism it seems he, does, &, ever respected —
that Mr Adams got only one Vote in our State, &
Mr Burr 6, reflects no great judgment or respect of a
Proper Character to fill so important an office as Presi-
dent, in our Electors — Mr B could not get one

Vote in the State he belonged to, & where he was

jams mmmn msroasoaii monographs n?

bred i born, nor in either of the adjoining states a
vet he got 6 in No. Carolina— Mr Adams did ac4
lose one Vote in 8 States and go1 some rotes in 4
others I hope bisCondud in the Execution <>i the
high trust reposed in him may prove Satisfactory to
his Country, a may be Lhe means <>[ shewing t<> the
Wourld that he is a real friend in action and Prin-
ciples, to the Republic <>t" America, as established by
our Constitution.

The Winter is the most Severe one, that has been
known for many Years, and the Westerly Wind pre-
vents us getting late information from the other side
of the Water— The articles4 for the University were
shipped from London in Novr., & the Vessel is not
yet heard of — this may prove a further disappoint-
ment to the University; & a loss to Mr Richardson by
whom they were to be imported — — I shall be
gratified <>n hearing- from you, the News and Politics
of the State- remember me to all acquaintances in
and about Hiflsboro —

Believe me to be
Dear Sir

with esteem and regard
your Huml Sert.

W B Grove
James Hog-g esq,

NOTES.

'These charg-es were in substance, as summarized by
Tucker:

a In abandonment by the United States of their neutral
rights, It was contended that the United States would insist
on the principle that neutral ships make their carg-oes free,
and resist the extension of the list of contraband articles.

/> That the United States had violated the treaty of 177S,
ially in not g-iving French vessels more privileg-es in our
ports than English vessels.

c Tli at the Jay Treat v with Great Britain discriminated
inst France.

d That the Cabinet in 17(i.> discussed the question whether

118 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

the treaties with France were binding, also whether they
would receive the agents of the proscribed princes.

e That the United States made an insidious proclamation
of neutrality.

f By chicaneries the courts of the United States were
unjust to French privateers.

g The United States had eluded the offered mediation of
France with Algiers for relieving American prisoners.

h It allowed French vessels of state to be arrested, contrary
to treaty.

i It suffered England to interrupt its commerce with
France.

/ It suffered English vessels, which had insulted the United
States, to take refuge in her ports and thence cruise against
the French.

k It in effect applauded English audacity; allowed French
colonies to be blockaded.

/ It eluded French advances for more favorable treaties,
while it sought a treaty with England which prostituted its
neutrality, and forgot the services France had rendered in the
war of the Revolution.

m That from the New York Coffee House the entwined
flags of the two nations had been removed by the proprietors.

n That an American almanac had failed to give precedence
to French diplomacy.

o That the consular convention between the two nations
had been rendered illusory in two particulars.

p That Minister Fauchet, on leaving the United States,,
hed been subjected to annoying treatment by a British ship.

2 The answer of the United States as given by Tucker was,
in substance:

That the United States did not violate our treaty or weaken
our engagements with France; that no resistance was made
to the measures of Genet and others of her agents, except
what was required by our laws and neutral obligations; that
it never acquiesced in violation of our rights or stipulations.

jamk- spbi m nmosaoAL monographs 119

with France, i»ut has opposed them always; that it has fur-
nished France all succor allowable to neutrals; that the
United States as a sovereign, as well as by provisions of the
commercial treaties with Prance, had the right to enter into
commercial treaties with Great Britain or any other nation;
that no facts showing- partiality to Great Britain could be
produced.

If there has been greater promptitude to act against unlaw-
ful acts of French cruisers, it was because they were more
frequently committed on account of the greater sympathy of
our people with them. And when British ships of war
entered our waters with their prizes, the government had no
means of punishing such infractions without calling out the
militia.

' In the election of 1796 Connecticut, Delaware, Massachu-
setts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont,
voted solidly for Adams. Maryland gave him 7 out of 10
votes, North Carolina 1 of 12, Pennsylvania 1 of 15, while
Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee voted
solidly against him. Kentucky gave Burr 4 votes, Maryland
3, North Carolina 6, Pennsylvania 13, Tennessee 3, Virginia
1. Jefferson received 4 each from Georgia, Kentucky and
Maryland, 11 from North Carolina, 14 from Pennsylvania, 8
from South Carolina, 3 from Tennessee, and 20 from Vir-
ginia. Thomas Pinckney had from Connecticut 4, Delaware

3, Maryland 4, Massachusetts 13, New Jersey 7, New York 12,
North Carolina 1, Pennsylvania 2, South Carolina 8, Vermont

4, Virginia 1. There were 15 votes for Samuel Adams from
Virginia, 11 for Oliver Ellsworth from Masssachusetts, New
Hampshire and Rhode Island, 7 for George Clinton from
Georgia and Virginia, 5 for John Jay from Connecticut, 3 for
James Iredell from North Carolina, 2 for George Washington
from North Carolina and Virginia, 2 for John Henry from
Maryland, 2 for Samuel Johnston of North Carolina from
liaaaaclmaetts, and 1 for C. C, Pinckney from North Caro-
lina. Thus Adams had 71 votes, Jefferson 68, Thomas Pinck-

120 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

tiey 59 and Burr 30, and under the constitution as it was then
Adams was President and Jefferson Vice-President. Pinck-
nej was a Federalist and Hamilton vainly endeavored to have
him receive more votes than Adams. The total number of
votes was 138, but it was not required that the Vice-President
should be chosen by a majority.

4 The articles, electrical and other apparatus, for the Uni-
versity of North Carolina, arrived safely.

Grove to Steele.

Fayette Ville Octor. 1st— 1802
My Dear Sir

I returned yesterday from Hillsbror,
where I went on the 9th Septr. with Mrs. G — on a
Visit to her friends; on my return I found in the
Post office your favor of the 16th ult. which gave me
the first information of your return home, altho' I
made enquirey after you while in Orange — I hope
your Family have recovered since you wrote, & that
you continue to enjoy good health in the Native
climate; tho' Salisbury is looseing its reputation of
being healthy.

From your letter, & the Copy of the one to the head
of your Department, which you have done me the
favor to enclose for my perusal, I perceive with re-
gret, that you have new cause to be dissatisfied with
your position in the Govemt.

As soon as I read the report of the Investigating
discriminating & criminating Committee, I could not.
help seeing the deep cut made at the Former Treas-
ury Departt.1 From the temper & Views of the ma-
jority of that Committee, It was to be apprehended
they would sieze on every possible case to injure the
feelings & reputation of the former Adminisn. but
from the Examination & report of the Committee of
the session before last, on the Treasury Departnt, I
did suppose the new investigators would find little to
add, as to that branch of the Government; but in the
spirit of the times, they have wisely and economically
discovered, that for want of their legal aad saving
construction of the acts of Congress, monies have

.1 VMKS si'KI M MlSToKH \1. Mi)N(NIK IPIIS

12!

disbursed without an act ol appropriation, of
course these monies should be refunded, A they the
Committee appointed as a standing Board of expoun-
ders l-The contempt mixed with indignation which
the Late Report excited in me caused me to think,
that the Men of sense and decency <>f their party
would condemn it; as a crude, partial, & ignorant pro-
duction a that tho' they might for political reasons,
wink at its censure; I aid not presume the head of
any Departmt. would sanction & adopt the report as
the rule of their office—] am really sorry to find there
is reason to believe it otherwise, & that the present
Head of the Treasury in the case of Woaisidc is dis-
ci to gives new construction to the Law, so as
to produce a clashing- of opinion Between your Judg-
ment a former decisions, and his own— If this differ-
ence of opinion on the meaning- of a Law, arises alone
from the honest & impartial Judgment of the Secre-
tary, or is unconnected with any other cause or mo-
tive than a desire to construe Laws fairly, 1 can not
think it should add to your inducements to leave the
Department — of this you alone can best judge — But
while you are permitted to think and act indepen-
dently on your own Judgment and sentiments, & are
treated with that delicacy aud attention due to your
services, your Character & your situation, I n? [ost]
earnestly wish you to continue in office — If this is
not the case I know you too Well, to suppose you
would act with any set of Men. —

We have no news here, and were it not for
the railings & abuse of Duane,* Callander, &c.
against each other, we should consider the papers
dull, but these fellows unfold some things worth
knowing respecting the falsehood & knavery which
has been going on among them, & are fulfilling two
things, that Dog will eat Dog; and that when
rogues fall out honest men come to their right —

[ am Very certain you join me in regretting — sin-
cerely regretting the fate of poor Spaight \ He has
fallen a sacrifice to his own Violence of temper, for
he might have adjusted his dispute with honor, with-
out going to extremities —

air will probably continue about 5 to $7— Cot-
ton from |1S pr. Cwt. picked 3 to 3 1-2 for

122 THE UNIVERSITY BULLETINS

Seed — and indeed I fear all [classes] of produce will
be low compared to late years — Shells are generally
to be had here at 1-6 to 1-8 d pr. Bushl. — -lime is
dearer & scarce —

Mrs. Grove desires to be united with me in a ten-
der of our best respects to» yourself, & Family, and
particularly to Miss Ann—4
Believe me my Dear Sir

With real esteem & regard
Yrs Sincerely —
W. B. G:ove
John Steele Ksqr.

NOTES,
i

1 These fault-findings with the administration of the money
department under President Adams came to nothing-.

2 Wm. Duane from 1795 to 1822 edited at Philadelphia the
leading- Democratic-Republican newspaper. A prosecution
was started against him for libelling President Adams but
was abandoned

Callender was also indicted under the Sedition Act for ex-
pressions used in a pamphlet called "The Prospect Before
Us," and sentenced to nine months imprisonment and a fine
of $200. A number of others were indicted, the prosecution
of most of whom were abandoned.

3 Richard Dobbs Spaight, son of a nephew of Governor
Dobbs; Delegate to the Congress of the Confederation, 1782-
'84; Delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1787; Gov-
ernor of North Carolina, 1792-'5; Representative in Congress
1798-1801; was killed in a duel by John Stanly 1802- He
was then a Republican and Stanly a Federalist. The Fed-
eralists generally thought Spaight the ag-gressor and his
adversary, in his petition for pardon, which was granted by
Governor Williams, earnestly so contends.

4 Steele's daughter, afterwards Mrs. Jesse A. Pearson.

iv5

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Is due, for the preparation of the sketches and notes, to

The James Sprunt Monograph, No. 2; The Congressional
Career and Letters of Nathaniel Macon.

Hon. John Steele Henderson, of Salisbury.

Messrs. Edward R. McKethan and Allan A. McCaskill, of
Fayetteville.

Col. Robert Bingham, of Asheville.

Miss Margaret Norwood, of Hillsboro.

Hon. Armistead Gordon, of Staunton, Va.

The Histories of Henry Adams, Tucker, Schouler, and Al-
lison, have been consulted, and also the Congressional Direc-
tory, by Poore, the Annals of Congress, the North Carolina
Acts of Assembly, and Jamieson's Dictionary of American
History.

THE UNIVERSITY RECORD NUMBER 24 |

The University of North Carolina

JAMES SPRUNT

Historical Monograph No* 4

Letters and Documents, Relating to the Early History of
the Lower Cape Fear, with Introduction and .
Notes by Kemp P. Battle, LLD.

CHAPEL HILL

PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY

1903

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
CHAPEL HILL

CONTENTS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

1. Extracts from the papers of the DeRosset family, of
Wilmington, furnished at our request by Mrs. Catharine
DeRosset Meares. widow of the gallant Colonel Gaston
Meares, who fell at Malvern Hill, and by Col. Wm. Lord
DeRosset.

2. Extracts from the Journal of the Board of Commission-
ers of Wilmington, with an introduction by Captain Samuel
A. Ashe who is lineally descended from Governor and Judge
Samuel Ashe, brother of General John Ashe, and an officer of
the Revolution.

.>. Journal of Joshua Potts in regard to the location of
Smithville (Southport).

4. Letter of Captain Samuel Ashe, son of Governor
Samuel Ashe, and wrho fought for America at Eutaw, giving
valuable information about the men and events in the Revo-
lution.

5. Journal of General Joseph G. Swift, a United States
officer stationed on our coast about 1807, who married a North
Carolina lady. This was published for private distribution
but is out of print.

<>. Extracts from an oration by Colonel James G. Burr,
giving some important information.

\>c

INTRODUCTION.

The J a iius Sprunt Monograph, No. 4, published by the
University of North Carolina, is a contribution to tbe history
of the lower Cape Fear. This section of the State has been
conspicuous from its tirst settlement for the wealth, the intel-
ligence, the hospitality, the elegant manners and public spirit
of its citizens. One of its earliest settlers, Colonel Maurice
Moore, was a chief factor in crushing- the Indian rising of
1711. Another, Col. Hugh Waddell, did important service in
the French and Indian War. Its Ashes, its Moores, its Har-
nett, its Hooper, its Howe, its Lillington, and other strong-
men, were among the foremost in resisting oppression and
securing independence. Its civilians have in large degree
aided in moulding our institutions. Valuable efforts to per-
petuate their memories by biographical notices have been made
by Hon. George Davis, Captain Samuel A. Ashe, Col. A. M.
Waddell, Mr. James Sprunt, Mr. A. M. Hooper, Mr. J. G. Burr
and others. It is hoped that the material herein published will
be appreciated by those who are interested in our past.

It may be useful to give a summary of the leading events
connected with the beginnings of the peopling of the lower
Cape Fear. The first attempt, by a company from Massa-
chusetts, settling on the east side of the river, was soon
abandoned. In 1665 Sir John Yeamans, of Barbadoes, under
a grant from the Lords Proprietors of thirty-two miles square,
induced a number of emigrants to fix their habitations at the
mouth of Town Creek eight miles belowT Wilmington, and
begin the building of a village, still known as "Old Town."
After remaining six years they were all transferred to Charles-
ton, between the rivers named in compliment to Earl Shaftes-
bury, the Ashley and the Cooper.

Colonel Maurice Moore, the grandson of Sir John Yeamans,
and the son of Governor James Moore, who assisted in sup-

6 The University Record

pressing- the Indian insurrection, first fixed his residence in the
Albemarle section. In 1723 he induced a number of his kins-
folks and connections to make their homes with him on the
Cape Pear. Among- them were his brothers Nathaniel, and
another, on account of his wealth and style and imperious
dealing with the Indians, known as King- Rog-er Moore.

In prospecting- for a site for a town Colonel Moore concluded
to locate it sixteen miles below what is now Wilming-ton, giv-
ing- 320 acres for the purpose. "King- Rog-er'' added to it. A
charter was granted by the General Assembly in 1745. It
had the advantage of a g-ood depth of water in front, inviting
however the occasional visits of pirates. In one of these
piratical raids in 1748 the citizens made stout resistance,
blowing-up a vessel and capturing- some property, afterwards
given by the General Assembly to the churches of St. Philip
at Brunswick and St. James at Wilmington. A painting of
Christ shown to the multitude by Pilate is still in the vestry
room of St. James.

In addition to its depth of water Brunswick had the advan-
tage of being on the only road to South Carolina. As early as
1727 a public ferry across the river was authorized to be estab-
lished by Cornelius Harnett, the father of a distinguished son
of the Revolution. The fees, five shillings for a man and
horse and half a crown for a person, seem reasonable. About
one third should be deducted in order to reduce these amounts
to sterling.

Although never having a large population the town had
very eminent citizens, not excelled in intelligence, public
spirit and hospitality by any in America, north or south.
Living within the town or on neighboring plantations were,
besides the Moores I have mentioned, and including George,
the son of King Roger Moore, with his twenty-eight children,
Cornelius Harnett, the Revolutionary patriot, Col. William
Dry, Attorney Generals Archibald McLaine and Thomas
McGuire, General Robert Howe, General James Moore, Judge
Maurice Moore and the Judge's son, Alfred, afterwards

James BPBUmt BtHOBli \i Monograph 7

Attorney Genera] and Judge of the Suprenu- Court of the
United States, Governor Benjamin Smith, John Baptista
Ashe, and his distinguished sons, John and Samuel, and many
Others. Governor Dobbs had a residence adjoining- it, which
was sold by his son to Governor William Tryon. It was here
that Governor Gabriel Johnston took the oath of office. It
was here that George III. was proclaimed in 1761 in the pres-
ence of Governor Dobbs and his council and a number of the
men of the neighborhood. It was here that by Colonel John
Ashe and others Tryon was forced to surrender the stamp
master, William Houston, who in his turn was forced to aban-
don his office. It was here that the British sloop of war,
Diligence, was prevented from landing stamps, and the Col-
lector of the Port, Pennington, then in the Governor's Man-
sion, compelled to resign his office. Brunswick too had the
privilege of sending a member to the lower House of the Gen-
eral Assembly and was sometimes the place of meeting of
that body in colonial days.

In Brunswick too are the remains of perhaps the most hand-
some church in colonial days, St. Philip, belonging to the
Church of England. The walls still stand, nearly three feet
thick, built about 1740 of English brick. It was nearly as
large as modern North Carolina churches, 76J4 feet long and
S3# feet wide, with eleven windows and three large doors.
During the recent war Fort Anderson enclosed the site of the
old town, and although it suffered a terrific bombardment, the
walls of the church remained intact, while havoc was made
<>me of the headstones in the old cemetery.

Several reasons for removal of Brunswick may be conjec-
tured. Captain S. A. Ashe, in the introduction to the City
Records of Wilmington, hereinafter found, gives a clear
account of the beginnings of that city. I only state here
that its site is higher and more healthy. It is more favor-
ably situated for trade with the up-country. It was in the
beginning of the Revolution less liable to attacks by British
Is. It was more convenient to the settlers above the

8 The University Record

junction of the two branches of the Cape Fear, who were
rapidly increasing in numbers and wealth.

I am particularly indebted for aid in the preparation of this
Monograph to Mr. James Sprunt and Captain Samuel A'Court
Ashe. Captain Ashe furnished many items of informa-
tion concerning- the section where his ancestors lived, in ad-
dition to the introduction and annotations to the Records of
the Town of Wilmington.

Kkmp P. Battle.

THE DeROSSET PAPERS

will iu better understood by keeping clearly in mind its
several members connected with North Carolina history.

1. Louis DeRosset, ( 1665-1775); Captain under Schomberg;
married Gabrielle de Gondin. Their son

2. Armand DeRosset, (1695-1760); M. D. of Basle Univer-
sity: married a lady of Uzes in France; emigrated with wife
and three children prior to 1735, and settled in Wilmington,
North Carolina. Had two sons, the elder being

3. Louis Henry DeRosset, (1724-1786); Councillor of the
Province; Lieutenant General (at that time a lower rank than
Major General); merchant and planter; Tory; left the State
1778; married Margaret Walker; no issue.

4. Moses John DeRosset, (1726-1767); M. D.; mayor of
Wilmington; married Mary Ivy, who after his death married
Rev. Adam Boyd.

5. Armand John DeRosset, son of the preceding, (1767-
1859); M. D.; married first Mary Fullerton, and secondly
Catharine Fullerton, sister of Mary.

6. Moses John DeRosset, (1796-1826), son of preceding by
his first wife; M. D. ; married Sarah E. Waddell; no issue.

7. Armand John DeRosset, (1807-1897); son of Dr. A. J.
DeRosset by his second wife; M. D., and then commission
merchant; married first Eliza Jean Lord, and secondly Cath-
erine M. Kennedy.

It thus appears that there has been a continuous residence
in Wilmington from 1735 to 1903, one hundred and sixty eight
years.

The following Medical Diploma to the first settler in the
State is given in full as it will doubtless be interesting to
scholars, especially college men.

10 The University Record

Dr. Armand DeRosset.

Copy of the Diploma of the University of Basle, granted to
Dr. Armand De Rosset.

SACROSANCTAE

ET INDIVIDUAE TRINITATIS

INVOCATO NUMINK

QUI PHILOSOPHUM DEI IMIT ATOREM ESSE PRONUN-

ciant, duobus finibus humatiae mentis cogitatioues et actiones
in universum circumscribunt, vero, bonoque, horum alterum
Theoreticae, alterum Practicae vitae proprium est. Quibus
tanquam alis ad arcem Beatitudinis alioquiinacessam mortales
evadere posse, summi Philosophi censuerunt. Ex hoc fonte
duplex sapientiae genus promanavit, contemplationis et acti-
onis; ea quidem temperie mutua, ut omnis veri cognitio ad
boni possessionem derivetur, et omnis vicissim boni possessio
ad cognitionem veri dirigatur. Quod si quae tales sunt vel
Artes vel Scientiae in quibus utraque vis luculenter sese ex-
erit, illae demum et per se quia verae sunt, bonaeque, hoc est
honestae, et propter aliud, quia jucundae sunt et utiles expeti
consueverunt et commendari. Ejus autem generis inter cae-
teras optimarum Artium propagines Medicinam vel imprimis
esse, nemo sanae mentis negarit; Quae cum Theoriae sual prae-
stantia Philosophis, praxeos utilitateheroibusdigna videatur,
ut ortu suo Deorum inventum, sic cultu olim Asclepiadarum
propria fuit habita, qui Artem pulcerrimam a Majoribus vel-
uti per manus traditam et acroamatum Doctrina propagarunt,
operumque assiduitate confirmarunt, Posteaquam vero in
quasdam veluti colonias Asclepiadae sunt deducti; Artis quoque
Mysteria peregrinis et Exotericis hominibus, ut non genere
virtute saltern et eruditione Aesculapii posteritatem referen-
tibus communicari cepere: atque adeo ne abusus Divinae Arti
calumniam, mortalium generi perniciem afferet, Ornamenta et
Privilegia publica, iis, qui earn vel docere vel exercere cona-
rentur, censura et authoritate eorum, qui de profectu cujusque
judicare possunt, solennibus conferenda ceremoniis decreta
fuere: non tanquam praemia virtutis, sed tanquam Testimonia
eruditionis et invitamenta. Hinc seculorum omnium mirificum
consensum Basilienses quoque Medici imitaturi, literas hasce
publicas privatae virtutis Testes et judices legitime exarandas
curavere. Nam cum Nobilissimus et Doctissimus Dominus
ARMANDUS DE ROSSET honesto loco sed et thoro lesritimo

James srKi m Historic*] Monograph

iac ni Gallia Narbonensi uatus in celeberrimia Angliaeet
Belgii Academiis tantos in sacra Medicina fecerit progre
ut .id ejuadem ]>r;i xi n nun salute mortalium admitti posse \ ide-
retur; Dignna fuit judicatus, ut ad Bummum in Arte M<
gradum admitteretur ei Doctoris Titulo ornaretur. Itaque ad
Diem III. Decembria MDCCXX. postqnatn fidem suam Col-
leg"io Medico per Mandatarium I)n. Job. Jacobum Son tag* No-
tarium speciali Mandate ad hoc ab ipso itistructo sicuti veros
decet Asclepiadas juriajurandi religione interposita obstrinx-
Reverentiaaimi Principia ac Domini Dni. Joannis Con-
radi Baailiensis Episcopi, Academiae Cancellarii, sub Recto-
ratu Magnifici viri Dni. Joannis Buxtorfli Ling-. Hebr. Pro-
fessoris meritissimi, Decano vero viro Spectatissimo atque Ex-
cellentissimo Dn. lob. Henrico Stehelio Med. Doctor*'. Anat.
etBotan. Profre. in Medicam Civitatem receptus; atque Doctor
Medicinae fuit creatus, tenoreque harum Literarum beic et
ubique pro tali haberi et salutari jubetur; simulque exercendae
Medicinae, aegros visitandi, deque Morbis consultandi potes-
tatem amplissimam, cum Privileges insuper et Immunitatibus
omnibus quibus Doctores Medici beic et ubivis terrarum frui et
gaudere solent, ab Ordine nostro Medico decenter consecu-
ttta est.

Id ipsum Decanus et Assessores Collegii Medici publicis
hiace Literis Medico Sigillo approbatis et vice Cancellarii.
Scribaeque Academici manu conrirmatis sicuti viros inter
bonos bene agier testatum fecere. Actum Basileae Rauraco-
rum ad Diem TIL mensis Decembris Anno redempti orbis
Millesimo Septingentesimo vig-esimo.

Job. Georgius Schatzmannus,
Imperiali authoritate et Academiae
Basil. Notarius Juratus.
Ion. Henricus Stehelius, M. D.

Anat: & Botan: Prof: Publ: p. t. Decanus.

Note. — Basle, now Basel, is on tbe Rhine between Stras-
burg and Berne. Its university, founded in 1460, was once
one of the greatest institutions in Europe, Erasmus and Euler
being professors.

Doctor Armand De Rosset was tbe child of Captain Lewis
De Rosset, born in London. He married in Switzerland a lady
Of (Jzes, (once Ucetia) lived for awhile in Montpelier, where
two of his children, Gabrielle and Louis Henry were born,
then removed to London, where his son, Moses John, was born

12 The University Record

and thence emigrated to the Cape Fear about 1735. He settled
in Wilmington, then New Liverpool, and became a leader at
once, the trusted physician of the community, serving also as
Justice of the Peace and Commissioner of the town. He be-
came a considerable holder of real estate. His home was on
Second Street, since the residence of Dr. James P. McRee, the
elder, said to have been once occupied by William Hooper, "the
Signer." Dr. DeRosset's wife died in 1746 and five years after-
ward he married Elizabeth Catherine Bridgen, a native of
Bristol, England, a friend of the Burgwyn family. She was
of a masculine character; survived him many }7ears. He died
in 1760.

By his Huguenot wife he had a daughter, Gabrielle, who
married John DuBois and left many descendants. The elder
son was Louis Henry DeRosset, described in Dr. A. J. De-
Rosset's autobiography. His second son was Moses John De
Rosset, who became a physician of extensive practice. He
was also a public spirited citizen, serving as an officer in the
regiment of Colonel James Innes, which was sent to Virginia
to fight the French and Indians. He was also mayor of Wil-
mington and as such joined in the resistance to the stamp tax.
A sentence in one of his letters to a British officer has been
much admired: "Moderation ceases to be a virtue when the
liberty of the British subject is in danger.1' He did not live
to participate in the Revolution, dying on Christmas day, 1767,
within two days of his 41st birthday.

Although Dr. Armand DeRosset's father did not come to
America, the following papers, the originals of which belong
to the DeRosset family, showing that Captain Louis DeRos-
set, under the great Schomberg, aided in the consummation of
the Revolution of 1688, must be interesting to the reader.

Captain Louis DeRosset.
Copy of Furlough to Louis DeRosset, signed by the Duke of

Schomberg.
"FREDERIC,

1 Duke of Schonberg, Marquess of Harwich, Earl of Brent-
ford, and Baron Teyes, Captain General of all His Majestie's

Jum simm m BanonoAL IComoo&apb Lfl

Armies and Land Forces, Garrisons, Ports and Castles in the
Kingdom of Bngland, Scotland, and Ireland, &c. Master Gen-
eral of Their Majesties Ordnance, One of His Majesty's most
Honorable Privy Council, and Knight of the most Noble
Order of the Garter, Count of the Holy ECmpire and Mertoela,
Grandee of Portugall, General of the Elector of Branden-
bourgs Forces, Stadtbolder of Prussia, &c.

To all Admirals. Vice Admirals, Captains and Commanders
of Ships, Governors of Forts and Castles, Sheriffs, Mayors,
Justices of the Peace, Constables, Customers, Comptrollers,
Searchers, and other His Majesties Officers, whom it may
concern, Greeting*: These are in his Majesties Name, to Pray
and require you to Permit and Suffer the Bearer here of De
Rossett Captn. in the Regiment of Foot commanded by Colo-
nell la Calimotte, wth. one servant, Freely and Quietly to
Pass from Lisburne to England for the recovery of his health,
and to return without any Lett, Hindrance, or Molestation
whatsoever. Given at our Head Quarters at Lisburne the
sixth day of January 1789 in the first vear of Their Majesties
Reign. SCHONBERG."

"By the Genls, Command

Js. de Cardonnet."

Extracts from Commissions issued by the British Govern-
ment to 2 Louis DeRosset:

"William R."

"William and Mary by the grace of God &c. to our

well beloved and trusted Louis de Rossett, Esqr. greeting*.

We &c. constitute and appoint you to be captain of the

company whereof Captain at Grenadier Roue de la Foncille

was Captain in the Regiment of Foot commanded by

Colonel de la Caillemotte &c."

By His Majesty's Command

3 Shrewsbury."
"Dated Apr. 1st, 1689, in the first
year of our reign."

A commission similar to the foregoing-, appointing the same
Louis DeRosset, "gentleman," Captain of the Company in the
Regiment of Foot, commanded by Major General la Meloniere,
whereof Captain Dupuy Was Captain, dated October 18th,
1697, 44in the 9th year of our reign,

By His Majesty's Command,
• William Blathwait."

14 The University Record

1 Frederic Armand, Duke of Schomberg, after winning celeb-
rity in the Armies of Prance, became Minister of State, under
the Elector of Brandenburg-. He then took service under
William III. of England, was created a peer, made Knight of
the Garter, and obtained a grant of ;£100,000 — was killed at
the Battle of the Boyne, July 1, 1790. Lisburne is in Ireland
about ten miles southwest of Belfast. The name of Dr. Ar-
mand DeRosset suggests a possible relationship between his
family and that of the Duke.

2 Louis de Rosset, born about 1645, son of Louis DeRosset,
docteur en droits, and Lady Catherine de Moyeur of Uzes in
South Prance. He married the Lady Gabrielle de Goudin,
the marriage contract being still in possession of the DeRos-
set family. The marriage was said to be "for the glory of
God and for the increase of the human race." He left France
on the Revocation and took service with his compatriot, the
Duke of Schomberg, under King William. The passport of
Schomberg brings to mind the historical fact of the loss of one
half his army by sickness contracted in the marshes of Dun-
dalk. Captain DeRosset was naturalized in England in 1708
and died in 1725. A friendly letter to him from Marshall Saxe
shows that he was highly regarded by the great men of the
period.

3 Charles Talbot, Duke of Shrewsbury, Lord Chamberlain,
Viceroy of Ireland, and High Treasurer — died 1717. He was
descended from the celebrated John Talbot, Earl of Shrews-
burg, in times of Henry V. and Henry VI.

Councillor DeRossktt.

Copy of commission to Lewis Henry DeRosset, appointing
him a member of the council tinder Governor Dobbs.

By their Excellencies the Lord Justices.

Tho: Cantuar: Granville P. Gower C P S

Marlborough. Anson.

We being well satisfied of the loyalty, integrity and abil-
ity of Lewis de Rosset junior Esqr. do hereby in His Majesty's
name direct & require you forthwith upon the receipt of here-

.TAMKS SIMM M HISTORICAL MONOGRAPH 15

of to swear and admit htm the said de Rossetl junior to be

oi his Majesty's Council in His Majesty's Proving
North Carolina, in the room of William Forbes Esq. deceased,
and for so doing this shall be your Warrant.

Given al Whitehall the tenth day of June 1 75*> in the twen-
ty-fifth year of His Majesty's Reign.

By their Excellencies Command
Claudius Amgard.
Seal with two roses.
Three Excise stamps, 11 Shilling-
and YI. pence each.

To Gabriel Johnson Esqr. His Majesty's
Governor of the Province of North Carolina
in America. And in his absence, to the Commander
in chief or to the President of his Majesty's
Council of the said Province for the time
being.

Lewis de Rosset Junior, Esqr. to be of the Council in No.
Carolina.

Petition of Lewis Henry De Rosset for Indemnity for Property
Lost in the Revolution.

To The Honble. the Commissioners for the examining- into
the case of the American Sufferers —

The Memorial of Lewis Henry de Rosset late of North Car-
olina Humbly Sheweth That your Memorialist was sworn in
a member of his Majesties Honble. Council for said Province
in the year 1752, and continued in that station until the late
Rebellion there put an end to his Majesty's Government in
North Carolina, and he begs leave to refer to the Certifi-
cate of their Excellcs. Genl. Tryon and Govr. Martin, the last
two Governors of that. Province, for the manner in which he
behaved himself in that station, and in g-eneral for his con-
duct as a faithful & loyal subject.

That your Memorialist from the first took an open and De-
cided part in favour of the King-'s Government —

That in 1 77'* your memorialist was called upon in conse-
quence of an act passed by the usurped Government to re-
nounce his alleg-iance, and take the Oaths to them, and on re-
fusal of which all persons so refusing* were banished from the
Province, on the pain of death if they returned; But your
memorialist cheerfully preferring his Duty to God and his
Sovereign refused to take the Oaths —

16 The University Record

In consequence of a clause in the said act permitting- per-
sons so banished to sell or carry off their Estates or Effects,
or leave them subject to confiscation, your memoralist under
these disastrous circumstances was compelled to dispose of
his Estate, in such manner as he imagined might best tend to
His and His Family's support, and accordingiy sold a great
part of His Estate at whatsoever he could get ( Which in his
distrest situation must have been much under the real value)
and with the money arising- therefrom, he purchased a vessel,
that he fitted out at a great expense, and loaded with Tobac-
co, Indig-o and Staves and sailed from Cape Fear River the
last day of April 1779 with an intent to proceed to Eng-land
where, from every information, the said Vessel and Car-
g-oe must have produced above eight thousand pounds Sterl-
ing-— The remainder of his Estate consisting- of some lands,
Slaves, Money, Debts, and other effects, to the amount of
above two thousand Pounds Sterling- more he left in the hands,
of persons he could confide in for the support of his wife,
whom he was oblig-ed to leave behind him —

That your memorialist on his Voyage was on the American
coast three times captured, the last time by an American Pri-
vateer, and carried into New London, where he was deprived of
his vessel and every thing- he had' on board, and sent thus
plundered and stripped to New York, so that a total loss of
that part of his Estate was the consequence of his refusing
to renounce his Rig-hts and Allegiance as a British subject —

That after your memorialist arrived in New York, he there
waited till Genl. Clinton sailed to South Carolina, when he
went in the same fleet, and soon after the taking- of Charles-
ton was, throug-h the recommendation of Genl. Tryon and
Govr. Martin appointed in May 1780 by Genl. Clinton the
principal Commissary of prisoners at that place, in which sit-
uation he remained until the evacuation of Charleston took
place, when he had no other resource but to come with the
Fleet to Eng-land.

That your memorialist beg-s leave to inform you, that great
part of the interest he left for the support of his wife in the
hands of Confidential Friends in North Carolina, has been
greatly pillaged and plundered, and that a person in whose
hands he left a considerable sum of money has so much suffer-
ed by persecution, that it is hardly possible he can g-et repay-
ment thereof — Thus that part of his Estate he left in North
Carolina he can get but little of —

Thus situated after a loss altogether of at least ten thous-

James Si'ici sr ESwKNMGMki fclttffOGJUffl 17

and Pounds sterling, your memorialist finds himself destitute

of all meattS Of support and provision. —

Your memorialist th.-relore humbly begs leave to submit

bimself and ins case to \our Honors Consideration in full cotti
fideace that von will be pleased to recommend him tor such

relief and support as he may appear entitled to.

And your memorialist as eves in duty hound

shall ever pray. —
.1 A Lewis I)e Rosset.

No. 1.

Attached to the above document are the following- papers)
I have read the annexed memorial of Mr. L)e Rosset, who
was well known to me during the six or seven years I was
Governor of the Province of North Carolina, and whom I have
since seen in New York as mentioned in his memorial, and I
have the pleasure of certifying that from the intimate knowl-
edge I have of him, the integrity of his principles both in pub-
id private life, and in the full trial I have had of his loy-
alty ami attachment to his Majesty's Government, I have no
doubt but that the several matters and Facts set forth in the
memorial are strictly just and true. I must further add in jus-
tice to the opinion I entertain of the singular worth & merit
of Mr. De Rosset, that I believe no man has a more equitable
& honorable claim than himself to the favor and considera-
te ^>verument as a Loyal American Sufferer, and as such,
he has my fullest and warmest Recommendation.

Given under mv hand in Upper ( imsvenor Street
the 28th dav of February 1783.
J A Wm. Try on.

No. 2.

. ing perused the memorial annexed of Mr. Lewis Henrv
UeRosset, I have no scruple to declare that I consider it a verv
modest representation of his case although I cannot take it
Upon myself to judge of his loss of property as I can of his
loyalty and sufferings. I have the fullest persuasion from the
general integrity of his character, that his estimate is strictly
just and honorable; as was all his conduct in public and
private life, as far as my knowledge goes, and in all report of
the COUntrj in which he passed the greater part of his life.

ne down by misfortune brought upon him by a virtuous

18 The University Record

attachment to his majesty and the British Constitution at an
advanced age, he seems to me a Gentleman most highly
deserving of the favor and consideration of government; and
as such has my sincerest and warmest recommendation.

Jo. Martin.
New Norfolk Street,

March 1st, 1783.

The following letter, though not signed, is doubtless from
Honorable Louis Henry DeRosset.

"London August 17th, 1785.
Mr. James Walker, at Wilmington on Cape Fear North
Carolina.
Dear Sir: — I want words to express to you my feelings on the
receipt of your letter of the 24th January informing me of the
unexpected death of my dearly beloved wife. You can better
conceive than words can convey the bitter anguish of my soul
on the mournful information. The more unexpected the more
poignant I felt the force of the fatal stroke that deprived me
of the best of Wives whose tender affection I had experienced
in every circumstance of life. To say she was the faithful
friend, the chaste Wife, the cheerful companion and that her
honest heart was an enemy to deceit would not deal justice to
her great merit; but possessed of these and all the other vir-
tues which from long experience I knew she possessed in
an eminent degree had so endeared her to me that I fully
enjoyed every conjugal felicity for thirty years that I had the
happiness to be with her, and when I was forced to leave her
separation was cruel and the unhappy days that I have spent
since that time, a continued scene of trouble and confusion.
Nor could I have a prospect of happiness until we could have
met together in Peace and Quietness, and for this purpose it
was that I applied to obtain half pay in order to have been
able to support her with some degree of decency though not
with affluence I could have wished- for, but I knew that
through her prudent management vve could have gone through
life here in Peace and content, and I had just obtained the
grant of half pay and only waited for an opportunity to advise
her to take advantage of the summer season (when she might
naturally expect a speedy and pleasant passage) to embark
for England, when your letter per the Castor came to hand
the 10th of April which at once put an end to all my pleasing
expectations of returning happiness, and nothing but a horrid

JlKM Simmai Hi-iiucal Monograph 19

gloomy prospeci now succeeds to my flattering delusive hopes.
Thus are we wretched mortals in tiiis life ever Bubjeci to dis-
appointments. It is my duty, as a Christian to submit to the

Divine Dispensations, the draught is hitter but I must swallow
it but I cannot say that I do so with resignation I ought. No
mv dear best friend, my faithful companion is gone and I
shall ever whilst I have being- lament my irreparable loss.
neither time nor place can remove her dear image from my
mind, there she is perpetually present and the only pleasure
I enjoy is to think perpetually on her. I make no doubt but
through the Merits and Mediation of our blessed Saviour she
is received into the Mansions of eternal felicity and I pray
God when he thinks proper to remove me from this transitory
life I may there with her enjoy eternal happiness forever and
ever. Amen. I lament the affliction your mother must feel
in the loss of her valuable Daughter and would gladly con-
tribute everything- in my power toward alleviating- her grief.
Pray remember to inform her that I bear with her the most
cordial respect, and shall always remember her as the Mother
of my Dearest Wife, be assured yourself and be pleased to
assure Mrs. Quince that I shall ever retain the affection I had
for my wife's nearest relations, and I sincerely thank you both
for the attention paid to your deceased sister, and I am much
obliged to you for your care in having her buried with proper
Decency for no cost ought to have been spared to show the
Esteem and Just regard due to her merit. I should be glad if
possible to have my bones lain with hers when I die. On the
19th of last month I received your favor per Mr. McGuire. I
should desire that what effects my Dear Wife left may be dis-
posed of in the following manner: (There seems from the
context that one sheet of the letter is missing for the other
side of the single sheet of foolscap begins thus:) The general
matters you mention; I saw Mr Kensington at his own house,
lie informed me that the proceeds of the cargo of the Castor
did not neat but between three and four hundred pounds & a
of course must ensue that no profits that can be made on
goods from hence can compensate. He told me that a great
deal of the indigo was very 'had. Naval stores low and no
bounty given it was not an article that would bear freight,
the only that answered were the reeds for that I imagine the
best would be to purchase goods of l illegible i the country to
be paid there. And indeed credit to America is very low
the Merchants not choosing to trust their property
where tney are not sure of recovering their debts. If there

20 The University Record

was a Commercial treaty agreed upon between the Kingdom
and the American States perhaps Credit might in some meas-
ure be restored, but I am apt to believe it would be with much
caution for many traders from here have been by their Ameri-
can connections ruined. Mr Kington (Kensington) told me
that the Susannah which had lately arrived was unloading
and that he was directed by both Mr. John Quince and Mr.
Gray to put her up to sale so that you will see her no more.
He also informed me that the Guinea Scheme was at an end
a vessel intended for that trade and to have been sent to your
house was ordered to be sold and nothing further would be
done in that matter. As Mr. Kyves is dead I have not had
an opportunity of knowing what agreement he had made with
Mr. Quince, all that I could find was that he was to have
been concerned. I think you can have no expectation of any
Guinea men. And as I suppose you will receive letters from
Messrs. Kensington and Cinningham you will have fuller
information in all the matters.

I should be glad to have a copy of Mrs. DeRosset's will.
Mr. Pridgen cannot find the one you sent him. I cannot tell
where to fix a residence in my distressed situation. Had it
pleased the Almighty to have prolonged the life of my Dear
and Faithful friend the darling of my soul I could have been
happy with her in a Cottage but without her a palace would
have no charms. God knows what will become of me all I can
say at present is 1 shall stay about this City until I have a
hearing from the Commissioner of Compensation for my
Losses. In the meantime therefore till I say direct your let-
ters to me to the care of Messrs. Pridgen & Walker in Lovell
Court Pater Noster Row, and pray let me hear from you as
often and as fully as you can. Remember me with the sin-
cerest affection to your Marie, your good sister Quince, your
Wife your Son and all connections. I congratulate you on
the birth of your daughter, and hope she will be worthy imi-
tator of the virtues of her Dear Dear Aunt. Adieu at present
and be assured that I shall always retain the warmest regard
for all my wife's relations and that I am with sincere esteem,
Dr. Sir Yrs. : c.

Gov. Martin some days ago desired me to forward a meml.
for Mr. Willett who lives about Lockwoods Polly relative to
an Orphan a niece of his whose Father died at New York &
the Gov. took charge of her. Inclosed I send the meml. &
pray oblige me so far as to have it safely delivered to Mr.
Willett that he may give directions about the matter."

Jambs simcim Sbtoz* ll Monograph 21

Note- The following facts show tharl Louis Henry DeRosset
was an useful and prominent citizen. I [e was watchful for the
interests <>f Wilmington and St. Janus' Church as well as the
Colony. He was a member of the lower House of the General
nblv in 1751; was chairman of public accounts for years
and a Justice of the Peace. He was member of the Council
from 1752 to the Revolution. In 1754 he was commissioner
for preparing and emitting ,£40,000 proclamation money. He
was also Receiver General of the King's quit rents, but
resigned the office in 1761. As showing the variety of his
activity for the public good I state some of the measures he
introduced. For leave to build St. James1 Church, also one at
Brunswick; regulating exports of the Cape Fear; appointing
inspectors; a petition for the establishment of a post office in
the Province; to establish quarantine. He was Adjutant
General on General Waddell's staff in 1771 and Lieutenant
General under Tryon in 1768.

Councillor DeRosset was a merchant and accumulated a
handsome fortune. Part of it he invested in a plantation on
the north east bank of the Cape Fear, about eight miles above
Wilmington, called Red Banks, now Rose Hill.

It is not certainly known whether his application to the
British government for relief was successful, but as his
administrator, with will annexed, Thomas Younger, attorney
for James Walker, Armand John DeRosset and Armand John
DuBois, was required to give a bond for nearly S50.000 it
seems probable. However very little was realized by their
nephews. Either his property was overestimated or there
was fraud somewhere.

There is a probable tradition in the family that the French
government under Louis XVI. offered him the restoration of
his titles and estates if he would return and enter the Roman
Church, which offer was promptly refused.

He died without issue in 1786, his wife having preceded
him one year. They never met after his enforced emigration
in 1779. *

22 The University Record

1 Letter from Mrs. Elizabeth Catherine DeRosset

(wife — 2nd — of Dr. Armand de Rosset)

to Mr. John Burgwyn.

Chinese Temple, Aug. 25th, 1775.

I wrote you the other day by one Capt. Arthur. He

intended sailing- for London; but 2 Mr. Hogg sent him to Ply-
mouth. I gave him a packet to my brother. I enclosed your
letter (open) to Mr. B. and begged him to direct it to you,
wherever you were — in London, Bristol or Bath. Whither the
man has gone I cannot say, as I think he had not fair mind.
I wrote to no one else, but you and my brother; but by this
conveyance I shall write to everybody, as the Lord only knows
when an opportunity will be given again; and it seems to me
as if I were taking my last leave, of you all.

3 Mr. Grayham has got the fever and ague; but is now taking
bark like 4 Mr. Burgwyn himself. How does the lame leg do?
Is it easy — is it strong — is it so civil as to let you bear your
weight on it? is it glad it is in the Great Beehive? We have

very little sickness as yet amongst us, and no deaths Mr.

John Quince, 'tis generally thought, has a church-yard cough;
and soon will go the way of all flesh. I think he has been go-
ing the last fifteen years. The Court of Admiralty, I men-
tioned last week was held in Brunswick (not at the fort). The
man gave ,£300, for his condemned vessel the thing was too
plain to make a dispute. The Governor is still on the man-of-
war, and Mr. Hassel, his Lieutenant, sticks by him. They
have intercepted many of his letters and memorials, and set
about to induce the Back-Country people to take up arms. But
his conduct, has been, 'tis said, so extraordinary, that it has
united the people, and has had quite a different effect from
what he intended; and all the Companies, that were at vari-
ance with one another, now muster together, and are very
friendly (or very deceitful). The Artillery Company join the
Independents, and they perform their exercises together — this
is what the gentlemen tell me, and I must always depend on
some of them for intelligence. 5 Capt. McLaine (who by the by
is an Ensign) is going to carry himself and his wife up the N.
West. He speaks such things as are disagreeable to the peo-
ple, and his friends, I believe, wish him gone. Mr. Hogg tells
me that the people of Bogue did not use him ill, only some
fellows upon the road were impertinent to him. I don't know
if you will thank me for these scraps of intelligence', but, I
would if I were in your place.

Jamkh Sprint I-Iistokh Al. Monograph 28

It is thought Mr. NelSOH'fl suit at Point Pleasant will end
in matrimony — by his frequent Stay there. For as Bevill (In
Conscious Lover says 'A denial is a favor every man may

pretend to. and it" a Cadv would do honor to herself, she should
never keep i gentlemen in suspense, if she knows she can't

like him.'

As Miss appears to be sweet, innocent young

creature, I think she won't seem to encourage what she dis-
approves, and she is too sensible to trifle away his time with-
out approbation. In general people in love look mighty sill v;
but I do assure you Mr. Nelson is more chatty and agreeable
than ever — even before his mistress. I should not wonder if
Fanny loved him. Do you remember how you looked when
you- were in love? Nay, do not give such a sigh, or I will nev-
er speak to you again of the Ladies of fi Cedar Grove: They are
all well — as much yours as ever, even little Fanny. Tho' they
are still in town, and, I believe, have no great news, I do not
like just now to be so far from the seat of intelligence: there
everything is talked of, there everything is first known, and
they could neither hear nor see what's doing. 'Tis thought
that Capt. Collett is gone on his to bring in soldiers, and

that Brunswick will be their destination; and that, on his ar-
rival, the Governor will set up his standard there. That will
be the first fruits of the burning of the fort. The second chap-
ter, I presume, will be something of the same kind; but as yet
it is in embryo. This is publickly talked of, and some things
about it have transpired. Then we shall see who and who's
together — whether it rains or is fair weather. We have pro-
digious crops of wheat this year, better never known in the
memory of men. The corn will, also, be very fine, if these
deluges of rain do not spoil it. Give my love to the two little

7 boys if you are near them. Mr. John Boyd, Adam

Boyd's brother, talks of becoming a resident of this place, it
these American affairs be settled: he goes to Plymouth, but

talks of going to London, himself: he is a sensible man.

They have made an addition of twenty men to the town watch
and guard, not of men that are paid, but gentlemen and trades-
men. The weather has been very bad and some of them
grumble a little, but still they do it. You can't conceive of
how quiet everything is in the night — no robbing of the stores
— every negro at home in his bed, and not half the drunken-
Qess there used to be. So far, so good. Mrs. Thos. Hooper
bro't to bed, and her child (had. Mrs. Jackson Walker has
been carried to Mr Harnett's house by Dr. Ceikie, Mr. Lord

24 The University Record

of Brunswick talks of taking that just left by Mrs. Walker.
Indeed most of the Brunswick people, they say, talk of coming
up here soon, if the soldiers come in with 8 Collet. Lord
knows what will become of us. Mrs. Humphreys has her
health extremely well. Mr. H. says but little, but I believe
makes it up with thinking-. People can't be hanged for that
you know. Old Father Time, however, will discover every-
body's thoughts. I beg of you to eat some fine English
peaches for me, this summer, if it be not too late; and then
tell me if they are not as good as the American. 'Tis a point
I can't give up. If you should see a remarkably old lady by
the name of Willoughbv, in Bristol, a widow, pray present
her my best respects. She is truly worth everybody's esteem.
My own sister will be quite out of the way. She lives in Wor-
chestershire. I dare say you, with a lame leg, will not think

of going there. May Almighty God hold you in his true

keeping, prays x

Yr. truly aff. friend & Sir yr. obdt. servt,

EKz. Cath. De Rosset.

1 This lady was a native of Bristol, England, and daughter
of Samuel Bridgen, of Ludlow Castle, New Hanover, North
Carolina. She was the second wife of D. Armand de Rosset,
the M. D. of Basle, they having been married in 1751. She
was doubtless much younger than he; was of a masculine char-
acter and dominated all around her. She was an ardent Tory.
She lived on her plantation called Chinese Temple, adjoining
the Hermitage, which belonged to the Burgwyns, with whom
she had been friends in Bristol, Her death occurred at the
summer home at Mason boro, of fever, 1778.

2 Robert and John Hogg were merchants of Wilmington.
James Hogg was a cousin, a citizen of Fayetteville and then
of Hillsboro. He was an active patriot. Mr. de Rosset evi-
dently thought that the "Mr. Hogg" about whom she wrote
was trying to "hold with the hare and run with the hounds."

3 Mr. Grayham seems to have been a manager for Mr. Bur-
gwyn.

4 Mr. John Burgwyn emigrated from Bristol, England. He
was a merchant and planter, had branch mercantile establish-

.1 \MK.s Sl'KI N I EfiSTOBlCAl M< »\« >t . u apii 36

Dents in Bristol mik! London. His plantation near Wilming-
ton was called the Hermitage. He was For awhile Treasurer
of the Province. His integrity and accuracy were so well
known that lie was OttOSetl to report on its financial condition,
oven tire Regulators, who thought the people cheated by the

Sheriff, avowing their willingness to accept his statement.
Hi> first wife, Mary Baynes of "Castle Haynes," near Wil-
mington, died chihlless, and he then married Miss Bush, of
Bristol. From them is a numerous posterity. He was nat-
urally a Tory and lost much in consequence. His town resi-
dence, opposite St. James Church, was Cornwallis' headquar-
ters. He died in 1803 and is buried in Wilmington. His son of
the same name died in Raliegh in 1864, 82 years old. He
married Eunice, daughter of the celebrated Jonathan Edwards.
Among- their grandsons are Col. H. P. Burgwyn, killed at
Gettysburg- and Col. W. H. S. Burg-wyn, President of the
Bank of Weldon, a Captain in the Confederate army. It is
said that Burgwyn is another form of Burg-oyne.

5 Archibald McLaine, of Brunswick, was an able lawyer and
member of the State Congress of 1775 and 1776, and of the
Senate and of the Convention of 1778. He was noted for his
sharp tongue. George Hooper married his daughter, and one
of his descendants was the learned and estimable, John <de
Berniere Hooper, Professor in this University.

8 The country-seat of the DeRossets, about eight miles north
of Wilmington.

7 Children of Gen. Hugh Waddell, and words of Mr. Bur-
gwyn.

8 Collett was commander of Fort Johnston when it was
burned. Fort Johnston was near the mouth of the Cape
Fear.

Mr*. Elizabeth Catherine ReRosset to Mr. John BufgWjn*

Mr. John Burgwynn,
London.

Chinese Temple, Sept. 10th, 1775.
This I fear will be my rcry last for a long time.

I ventured some days ago to give Mr. Grayham some advice

26 The University Record

about your corn-field. You must know that a violent storm
ushered in the month of September: it lasted a whole night
and ft part of next day: it began at East and came around to
N. East with great violence. The fine promising crops of
corn are all down within a half a foot of the ground. Now
that my experience has taught me that the weight of the tops
helps greatly to bend it down, I advised Mr. Grayham to cut
them off, and told him that the corn would soon right itself.
He said, what fodder he got was ruined and the Hermitage
half under water, all the bridges carried off, and he was oblig-
ed to go to Castle Hayne by water — the roads everywhere al-
most impassible. This storm was a great hindrance to ves-
sels loading, and they are not to (be) brought up again peri-
gers* sinking and running on shore — three poor sailors drown-
ed— no negroes lost, tho' many were in danger. -The com-
mittee talked of permitting the shipping, Monday and Tues-
day, to finish their loading, because they shan't work Sunday,
it being- the 10th. Who more religious than our Wilmington
folk? Mr. Hays goes to the West Indies; he will remain their
till he is permitted to return. — Perhaps you will be surprised
to hear Mr. Hogg is in England. He was one of your non-
conformed to the times, and so made off. He first attempted
it at Bogue; but they would not let him go. He then came
home; mustered with the rest upon the hill; but took his op-
portunity, whenCapt. Arthur was ready, to go. 'Tis said that
he carries the Governor's dispatches. I beg-in to think your
broken leg WAS NOT ALTOGETHER SO UNLUCKY
JUST NOW. Had you been here, you must have declared
yourself of one party or the other: you must have taken your
turn on the watch: and, you must have mustered. Your prop-
erty would have been insecure. As it is the case is other-
wise. You are one of your [illegible] now. You cannot conform
to anything because you are. incapable. No one will be so
cruel as to have the property of an infirm man, who was drove
home by a dreadful accident to get cured. I think I could
plead very well in such a case as yours. My gouty foot is
better, and presents its compliments to your lame one. Would
you change complaints with me? Col. Howe says he would
not. All the world is at Hillsboro, and nothing they have
done, has as yet transpired. I can give you no information.
'Tis thought they intend to raise two thousand men upon pay;
and you will come in for your quota of the expense, though in

*A large undecked boat or lighter with mast and sail.

.1 \mk.s Snci \t Historical Monograph 37

England; and 30 must poof I, though their laws have already
taken from me £96 per annum in the one art klc of cooperage;
besides the loss they will occasion in the hire of my other ser-
vants, which will lessen with the distress of the place — and
I shall haw do resource of any kind. Still I have my resolu-
tion t<» bring mv mind to mv interest^ if they will but leave
the little house over my head, and not frighten me out of my
5. — Things must go a great length before I fly my own
house, as th« moment 1 do so, I presume, it might be pillaged.
I forgot to toll you in its place, as I designed, that Mr. Hogg
has been at again to Town, and has wrote a very genteel let-
ter to Mr. Hooper: he has left a hundred pounds sterling for the
use of the public. Mr. Hogg is a very clever gentleman, and may
now carry as many dispatches as he pleases. And now let me
whisper in your car: it is a matter of wonder that Mr. Bur-
gwvnn had not done some such thing before he left, or left
orders to have it done. I assure you this was no bad policy
in Mr Hogg: It will most effectually secure his property; and
retrieve what he had lost with the public.

Mr. Tom Hooper has lost his wife: he has come to live in
my neighborhood at Mr. John Moor's. Mrs. George — of that
name — (Enceinte) again. Your friends at the lodge are well;
hut so distant I never see them — now and then the Dr. calls
and drinks small beer with me. Poor London looks mightily
down upon the times but don't speak.

Yrs. &c,

E. C. De Rosset.
Mr. J. Burgwyn, London.

(Fragment of a letter, without date.)

Such great events have certainly had the hand of God in
them, to bring about His own wise determination. I firmly
believe, that, happen what will, all isdesignedby God's good
providence for the benefit of the whole, in some future ae:e of
the world, tho' at present an injury to individuals. And what
am I? or what mv father's house that I should be exempt from
suffering? I stand or fall with the hermitage, so help me
God: a^ far as I can judge of myself), but. indeed I am no
toward, I never knew how much before this trial. I never
wished to be u man, before last month. Dr. Cobham wishes
me to be a woman. Had it not been for my cowardice, I would
have gone straight to Castle Ilaynes to live; but a thousand
arose from being quite alone in the country. The other

28 The University Record

day 200 Regulators (as they call t/tem) came down as far as
Beaufotd's Bridge, in order to make the merchants (and espec-
ially jack Moore) sell their g-oods cheaper. Mr. Moore went
to meet them- and conferred with them, and, I suppose, pacified
them.

They returned home again. I assure you these are the folks
I stand most in dread of \ I hear that the county has come to
a resolution, that if the Governor, men of war, or King's
troops, destroy Town, houses or private property, and spare
the effects of the King's Officers and Servants, not a house (of
the Royalists) shall be left standing. So perhaps I will have
the fate of the fish that jump out of the fryingpau into the
fire.— Mr. Tom Hooper went to Scotland, in the vessel with
Miss Shaw and Miss Rutherford, on his way to England.
What a strange medley of a letter is mine: 'Tis such a hotch-
potch of stuff, that it resembles either an olio or a haggis.
Call it what you please. I have a perfect apothecary's shop
in your closet. Mr. Grayham says I shall be Doctor, and he
my mate; so if your negroes are not killed it will not be our
fault. He wished to give Mrs. Grayham an honorable post un-
der us\ but I could not think of degrading a lady who had been
so extremely civil to me— besides she is much too tall for such
an office. Mr. G. is so good as to let me use my own linen;
and 'tis washed by my own servants. Tho' I don't break ycur
family rules, I drink a dish of tea in my own chamber every
morning. Tea! say you! I do have tea! Yes truly, I do!
You must know Sir — whether from tlie sympathies of the
times or not? I can't say — but, certainly, on the 10th of
Sept. I was taken very sick; indeed, not only looked so but,
was very ill. I thought if I could drink tea, I should recover
much sooner; but, as I did not choose to do this in private, I
asked leave of the Committee, and they gave me a very grac-
ious permission in the consideration of my age and infirmi-
ties. If I keep house, it will hurt me excessively to Jive

in such a hospitable neighborhood as this, and not be able to
ask them to take dinner with me.

Yrs. &c,

E. C. De Rosset.

Mr. John Burgwynn, London."

1 This letter was written from the Hermitage, the seat of
Mr. Burgwyn. Castle Haynes, the seat of General Hugh
Waddell, is in sight.

J amies Sprunt Historical Monograph 2d

Although much of the following letters is of a private
nature, thev are printed because of the prominence of the
writer in stormy days. Rev. Adam Boyd came to Wilming-
ton from Pennsylvania prior to the Revolution and was editor
of the ( ape hear Mercury. During the war he was a chap-
lain of the patriot army, a member of the Committee of
Safety of Wilmington, and of the Committee of Correspond-
ence with Harnett and others. He acted as Rector of St.
James' Church. His letters throwr light on the distressful
condition of ministers of the Gospel after the war, especially
of those of the Protestant Episcopal Church, who suffered
from the intense hostility to the Church of England.

Augusta, Ga., April 1798.
My dear John,

And now I am on the subject of self, wonderful appears

to me, the events that have occurred in this place. Last year
I was determined on leaving, and this year the same. Now I
am not able to travel; but if I were, it appears improper.
The regard with which I am treated, and the provision made
for my support appear, with many other circumstances, as if
Providence had designed this for my charge. The provision
is not what it should be; but, it is nearly twice as much as it
has yet been, except part of last year. These, and such
things attach me to the place (in a moral view). And yet,
after all, my heart breathes many a sigh for Wilmington.
* In Wilmington T could not breathe. Had I continued
there, I have no doubt, but, that the grave would have closed
over me long ago. Here, I have escaped gout, asthma, and
much of a cough, which, there, used to harass me alternately.
Besides in my professional character, I think I have been
more useful here, than I could have been there. With respect
to money, much the same I suppose, except in this. The
non-payment of the Parish would not have distressed me as it
does here. I have been in real want of clothing and, as to
board, I live chiefly at others' tables. In this distress I
attempted to relieve myself by selling certificates at about
one fourth of their value. I was cheated out of the whole. I
got lots, then in demand; but it soon appeared that the whole
frts mortgaged to the public. My certificates funded about
/ 1000 and I lost all. The man went away and died, a bank-
rupt. A friend of mine was on his return to Ireland, so he

$6 The University Record

called to see me. Talking- of my situation, he observed

"you need not wish to be in better esteem than you are."

All this increases my attachment. But still I wish to be with
Maggy and you. * * Recollection fails me very often. I
was always an absent man. * *

Yrs. affecty.

A. Boyd.

Feby. 8th, 1799.
My dear friend,

My strength returns so slowly, that I am not yet able to
write you as I wish. Yet the mercies, which I enjoy, demand
infinitely more thanks than I can give. I hope this little
attempt at justice will please. If it be approved and engraved
it will give me pleasure. Should it be thought to publish it,
I submit. If published, below is a proper introduction.
Hoping- that heaven will regard us with an eye of mercy, I
have much pleasure in thinking- we shall meet again. I am
extremely anxious to be among-st you. But I fear I shall not
be able to breathe that air; and to be a burden to you would
distress my mind. It is astonishing-, weak tho' I be, almost a
child, I am enabled to preach more to the satisfaction of the
audience than I could four years ago, and with more satisfac-
tion to myself. Adieu! The Almig-hty God in His great
goodness preserve us all!

Affectionately yours,

A. Boyd.

This stone is consecrated

to the noble purpose of recording

Female Merit

which

for many years was known to the world

by the names

MARY DE ROSSET and MARY BOYD.

She was singularly attentive and useful

to the children of affliction.

In early life she was taught,

by an excellent mother,

the principles of the Christian religion.

By these principles

she governed her conversation and manners:

but in the latter part of her life,

her patience and her faith

had a severe exercise appointed them.

James Sprint Historical Monograph 81

She was entirely deprived of that great blessing",

the power of seeing,

and was crippled by a stroke of the

bead* Palsy.

In this afflicted and helpless condition,

she experienced the most faithful attentions

of her children and friends.

But the dutiful and affectionate assiduity

of an only daughter, •

MRS. M. TOOMER,

was such that it admits

neither Eulogy nor Parallel.

Heaven pitying her affliction

sent His messenger

and

called her home.

(Perhaps it would look better this way)

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

x Sent His Messenger x

x and called her x I like the first better than

x Home. x T did before I wrote the last.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Blindness and pain no longer bring distress:
To light eternal raised in realms of Joy,

His praise, who purchased such ecstatic bliss,
Her tongue in transports ever shall employ.

Midst pleasures ever new, which ever flow,
Thro' endless ages that ne'er cease to roll,

Burning with Heavenly love, she'll ever glow,
And bliss unceasing still transport her soul.

In 1779 Mr. Boyd repulsed from the Communion Tables one
whom he regarded as an adulteress. This act soon involved
him in serious difficulties; and he withdrew from Augusta.
Having first accepted an invitation to preach at a place not
far below Augusta, he seized the opportunity to visit Ten-
nessee, that he might look after the land granted him by
Congress for his Revolutionary services.

Nashville, Tennessee, 18th April 1800
Dear Doctor,

Nothing can be said in opposition to your reason, and yet I
feel the disappointment. My situation is singularly unfortun-

32 The University Record

ate. I believe it the worse by the neglect of some cross-
posts. I know four letters have been lost, that is, they have
been six months and no account of them yet. This has made
me ignorant of the things I should have known about my own
affairs. I also believe, it is owing to some accident in that
way that I have not had a little relief from Charleston.

I had hoped, from the benevolent exertion of a few, a sum
to be refunded, but without interest. These disappointments
will, I f ear* compel me to accept terms, which will do little
more than give presentrelief . A deception in the survey, will
oblige me to begin a suit, or to petition your assembly. Both of
these I dislike. Yet, it is too hard to lose so much, especially
as my journey hither has been so unfortunate and expensive.
However, I shall not repine, and hope to preserve such a sense
of the goodness of God, as shall secure my mind that calm-
ness, which is natural to a trust in that Power. Yet with
grief and shame I confess I am not as tranquil as I was.
Continual disappointments and losses, I now fear, have an
influence I did not expect. If you knew all, or one-half, you
would say, to be serene under such a mountain requires more
strength of mind than is commonly the lot of man. Indeed,
I do not think it attainable without superior aid. Perhaps I
failed in this, in being too secure, or too confident in myself;
the first I think the cause: as to the last I know I have no
strength. I am too thoughtless in everything; hence, all, or
nearly all, the evils of my chequered life. * * You know
Fielding's Parson Adams. My sermon on Peby. 22nd was so
well received, that a subscription was directly opened for its
publication. But such triflers are our Printers, that I know
not when I shall be able to publish it. The name of Wash-
ington may recommend it; but, such has been their negli-
gence, that the time for selling is lost. The story is grown
old and two courts have passed. I am afraid my dear Magda-
len will suspect my affection for her. I did write her once;
but I felt so much, I did not like to write her again. Her
happiness is very dear to me. I have sent some little pieces
of mine to Mrs. Wilkings, with design that Mrs. Toomer
should have a copy if she desired it. Perhaps they may
assist her meditations. My capacity for travel is not to be
boasted of. A stiff inflexible knee, that deprives me of the
use of one leg— a dislocated hip and a leg at least four inches
shorter than Nature made it. So helpless too that I cannot
put on my own clothes. I must go in a carriage; but into
that I must be lifted. On my way hither, often did I descend

James Sprunt Historical Monograph 88

from mv car to avoid jolts. But on crutches I cannot contend
With the rocks, nor walk over them. So I shall get jolting
enough for a life of one hundred years. The worst is rocky
bottoms of rivers and steep banks. Terrible are many things
in the perspective; yet, if life be spared, I mean to make the
attempt as soon as possible. I hope to be with you in Octo-
ber. Is it possible to get anything for preaching in yonr
town? But I fear the asthma will find me out, there. How-
ever I purpose to try it. I wish very much you could get fifty
dollars on the loan, and even on interest, ro be transmitted to
Dr. Say, of Philadelphia. It is for a very particular purpose,
and can be replaced within a year. I had sent some money
there; but, my last summer's misfortune obliged me to recall
it. I have no doubt but that Maj. McRee would lend it.
Please tell the Major, that I am glad to find he is so well set-
tled, and, that I wish him to write me I have heard, our
cousin Jas. Moore made a sale of land to Gov. Blount, who is
dead. I fear James made a bad bargain. However, I think
he should write, without loss of time, to Willie Blount Esqr.
I take him to be a man of candor, and he will probably secure
the property. The heir of Col. Wm. Davie should likewise
appear, or employ some attorney. Lands are not saleable; but,
so many tricks are played, that great attention is required to
prevent chicane. Two of my horses have died and another
has run away, tho' I hope he may be recovered. So according
to the old saying, one single misfortune rarely happens to a
man. If I think of Wilmington, I must be often at the
sound; and, I must endeavor to be concerned in some little
business. I can eat your meat but I must wear my clothes.
I must also have a servant, and, should keep a horse for exer-
cise, as I cannot walk much through the sand.

In your letters you rarely mention any of my old friends.
What is come of Lillington's family; Shaw; Joha Moore;
Maj. Sam. Ashe; the General's son; and my old friend Gov.
Ashe; Mr. Heron &c &c. If it please God, I shall have not a
little pleasure in seeing my old friends once more. Yet I

know not why, I feel as if I should never reach the place.

I lament very much than I can so seldom declare the Word of
God, in public. A Clergyman, who reasons admirably,
preaches here every other Sunday. The house he preaches m
has an earthen floor — so I am afraid to go in it, either to
speak or to hear. I did preach in a tavern the other Sunday,
but the Methodists have taken the alarm, and, as the house is
theirs, they preach every other Sunday; so that I am cut off.

34 The University Record

This silence grieves me. Yet, I am not idle. I weekly pub-
lish some moral essay or advice in the papers. More serious
pieces I attempted, but they have been laid aside as too sol-
emn for their readers, that is their publishers. So, I try
always, that I can, to do some good. My carriage is shat-
tered by the fall, and worn out, like myself, by time, that, to
buy another, I suppose, will be cheapest. Heavy, heavy, are
my losses, but, they do not depress my spirits. I still have a
hope that I shall be supported so as not to suffer want. Yet,
it is not long since a Clergyman was suffered to languish out

of the world in an Pray beg Mr. Wilkings to enquire if

Mr. John Caldwell, lately from Ireland, Merchant, be in New
York or not. He had 10 guineas for me, sent by a cousin in
Ireland. I drew for the money to pay my surgeon, and I have

written him three times, but no answer can I yet obtain.

God in His infinite mercy grant us all His protection and
blessing, that we may all meet around His throne, in the ful-
ness of eternal joy. Amen.

Affecty. yours

Adam Boyd.
The orator of Congress makes a vacancy of happiness in
Heaven!! Is it possible that such a body could pass unnoticed
such a denial of everything sacred?

The last of this series of letters is dated Natchez, Deer.
30th, 1802: It requests Dr. De Rosset to send him (Boyd) his
certificates of membership with the Masonic Lodge; states he
was initiated in Jany. 1764; that Peter Mallett and Col.
DeKeyser were in the Lodge with him; and that on St.
John's Day, 1770, at the dinner at Emmet's house, "a little
back from the street" he and Mr. London acted as stewards.

The letter further states that Boyd "for the purpose of ex-
tending a knowledge of divine truth," had prepared some lit-
tle books for children; and, that his principal friends at

Natchez were Jas. Moore, Steele, the late Secretary, and

Forbes from Newberne.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph .Hfi

Autobiographical Sketch by Dr. Armand John DeRosset, in
>• rears Before His Death, of the
DeRosset Family.

My beloved children have asked me to commit to paper such
recollections of our Ancestry & Family as may have come to
mv knowledge, or been received by tradition; I will attempt,
t ho* perhaps in a very desultory way.

Our paternal ancestors were from Narbonne, one of the old
French provinces, perhaps from neighborhood of Montpelier;
and were of (so called) noble blood; this fact appears from old
papers now in my possession, as well as from traditionary
testimony. In some of these papers, the individuals, to whom
they relate, are styled -'Noble"; in others "Most Noble". I
mention this not as entitling us to any consideration or re-
spect, other than such as our conduct and characters, as men
& Christians, endeavoring conscientiously to perform our duty
to God & our fellow-men, may justly claim.

I know but little of my ! grandfather, except by tradition
through my venerated mother, and from several military com-
missions, now held by me, under the monarchy of Great
Britain, in whose service he was. His being in the service of
that country may be accounted for by his professing the pro-
testant religion, & by the claim of that nation to the sov-
ereignty of sundry provinces of France.

I find amongst the old family papers, one entitled "Extracts
from a Contract of Marriage between a Louis de Rousset, &
Madame Gabrielle de Gondin" dated 1671: as I suppose being
my Great-Grand-Father & his wife: for in some of the old
family papers the named is so spelled; tho' in most of them,
as we now spell it. It has been told me by my mother, that
during the military life of my Great-Grand-Father he was
long ( perhaps nearly 20 years) separated from his family:
during that time his wife had become quite blind, and on his
return did not recognize him & refused to believe him to be
her husband, till she felt a certain mole on his neck which
having done she fainted in his arms.

Mv grandfather, as far as I have heard, was the only son
of his parents his name -Armand — is said to have married a
Swiss lady. My mother knew her well, handsome, amiable,
it indeed lovely in her character. He probably got acquainted
with her during the period of his medical studies in that
country; for he graduated in year 1720 at Basle. I have now

36 The University Record

his diploma, reciting- his family, his residence &c. At what
time he emigrated from France I cannot certainly tell: but
but have heard that it was during some of the numerous per-
secutions of the Protestants in that country.

They reached Eng-land where my father was born, soon
after their arrival in London, as I have heard. They had
three children, Louis Henry, Gabrielle Ann, and my father
Moses John. The bodies of my Grand-Father & his wife
were buried in a lot now owned and used as a residence* of
Doctor Jas. F. McRee, where they lived, & which they owned.
When a child I remember being shown an apple tree said to
be over their graves.

My Uncle Louis Henry, married here, Miss Margaret Wal-
ker, the sister of the late Mrs. Ann Quince & Jas. Walker
who was afterwards the husband of the niece of my uncle,
Miss Margt. Magdn. Dubois. My uncle died in London,
leaving no children; his wife died here; her tomb is in St.
James' Church yard, in this town. My uncle in our Revolu-
tionary strugg-le had attached himself to the Royal Party,
believing himself bound by sundry oaths of allegiance to the
King of Great Britain; for he had filled several important
places under the Government, and amongst them that of the
Councillor of this Province. He was a most conscientious man,
of strict integrity, as illustrative of which I will relate an
authentic anecdote. He had received the appointment of
Commissary of Prisoners, in Charleston, S. C., when that
was a British garrison. A gentleman called and offered to
relieve the old g-entleman from the arduous duties of the office,
and guaranteed to him the amt. of his receipts therefrom,
reserving- only such perquisites as he could derive from it. My
uncle turned on him with indig-nation for supposing him scoun-
drel enoug-h to assent to such a proposal, telling- him, that how-
ever laborious they might be, he would continue to perform the
duties, rather than put it in the power of so unprincipled a fellow
to cheat the King, or the poor prisoners, which was obviously
his intention. ,My uncle had been at one time a merchant,
but when the Revolution broke out, he was a planter, and
living- on his plantation, 7 or 8 miles from town, called Red
Banks, but now known as Rose Hill. My father's sister mar-
ried a Mr. John Dubois, & had two children, John, who mar-
ried and moved to New York, and Magn. Margt. who married

* 2nd St. between Market & Princess, owned by Col. Roger Moore.

Jambs Sprint Historical Monograph 37

as before mentioned Jas. Walker. John kit no children;
Magdn. Margt. had two sons and twa daughters. Mer eldest
Mm, Jamea \\\, married and moved to Arkansas, with a larg-e
family. Tin- younger son, Julius, as we know, was the father
oi otir beloved relatives, Revd. C. Bruce Walker, & Mary Ann
Wrig-ht. One of the daughters, Harriet, married a lawyer,
Edwin J. Osborne, whose descendants are in the interior of
the State. The younger daughter, Louisa., married Genl.
Jos. G, Swift, & lives in Geneva, New York, with several
ndants. The late Capt. Alexn. Swift, of a military
Corps in the U. S. was their eldest son. He died universally
esteemed, respected & regretted. McRee Swift, our beloved
friend, late an engineer on our R. Road (Wil. & Wei.), now
in New York, is another one of her sons. They have several
sisters with whom we are not acquainted.

My Grand-Father's young-est son, Moses John, was my
father. He married Miss Mary Ivie, whose sister, Ann, mar-
ried the late Genl. Moore, of our Revolutionary army.

The Miss Ivies were the daughters of a Scotch gentleman,
their mother a lady of Jamaica, W. Indies. After the death
of their father Ivie, their mother married Mr. Marmaduke
Jones, an English gentleman of the old school. A hig-hly
respected and eminent Counsellor at law, whom I well recol-
Lect, for his neatness of person & his preciseness of character
& conduct & conversation. My honored mother left but two
children, a daughter & myself. My father died on Christmas
Day 1767, shortly after my birth & was buried on his birthday,
being St. John's Day, ag-ed 41 years, having- been born 27,
Deer. 1720.

In 6 or 7 years after my father's death, my mother married
Revd. Adam Boyd, from Virginia, or perhaps Pennsylvania.
I knew several of his connections in Philada. He was an
Episcopalian; was a martyr to asthma; had conducted a peri-
odical newspaper here, called Cape Fear Mercury; was chap-
lain in the Revolutionary Army. His asthmatic complaint
compelled his removal to the West, where he died in Natchez.
My mother had declined accompanying him, being unwilling
to leave her children. By Mr. Boyd she left no offspring", &
died in summer of 17(JS. My sister had married Mr. Henry
Toomer & left two sons and iwo daughter^. Mv mother's sis-
ter died about twoyears after the death of Genl. Moore, her

* Edwin J. Osborne was one of the first graduates of the University, in
1798. This is probably the san n

fe The University Record

husband, early in the Revolution & left two sons and two
daughters. I married twice, as you know, in Charleston,
S. C, my two wives were sisters & were nieces of Mr. Toom-
er, my sister's husband. Their father, a Scotchman, Jno.
Fullerton, nephew of the celebrated David Hume, the Histor-
ian. I had in my possession a letter from Mr. Hume to his
nephew, your grandfather Fullerton, and loaned it for the use
of a Society in Charleston, who were desirous of getting- a
fac-simile of his hand-writing. I have not been able to recov-
er it.

My first wife, my beloved Mary, lived about six years after
our marriage, which was on Octr. 6th. 1791, & died Novr. 97,
and here let me record a tribute to her worth. As a wife she
was all I could wish, & assured me a few days before her
death that never a regret at having married me had disturbed
her happiness. She bro't me a son and three daughters. The
daughters died in infancy. My beloved son Moses John was
all that a father could wish. He lived to 30 & half years of
age, an accomplished & indefatigable Physician & Surgeon.
He had been married between three and four months to Miss
Sarah K. Waddell, of Brunswick Cy., when he died, last of
June 1826.

Nearly two years after the decease of my wife, being still
a young man, I resolved upon a second marriage, but could
not reconcile it to my feeling to place a stranger over my be-
loved child, then an infant, less than a year old. I therefore
determined to offer myself to your lamented mother, whose
excellencies of character I had long known, and whom I loved
with unfeigned affection. I proposed to her to become my
wife & take charge of my little boy which after many scruples
on account of our relative situation, she consented to do, with
the full approbation of her mother (Your respected grand-
mother Fullerton) & her sister, your Aunt Reighton; nor had
I any just occasion to regret my union with Catherine Fuller-
ton. She was in all respects a helpmeet for me; & ever en-
deavored to promote my interest & happiness. By her I had
seven children, three sons and four daughters, two of the sons
died in childhood. My beloved Armand John, and you my
very dear daughters, Catherine G., Elizabeth Ann, Magdalen
Mary, & Mary Jane, are left to comfort me now in my great-
ly advanced years, being this the 17, November, 1847, my birth-
day, eighty years of age. And what I wait for now, but the
daily expected call to depart hence. Oh that I may be pre-
pared to come into the presence of my GOD & SAVIOR, &

James Sprunt Historical Monograph £9

join all mv beloved and departed ones in the realm of happi-

ttcss & peace. M y daughter Catherine il now a widow, the

relict of a Methodist Clergyman, Mr. M. Kennedy: my daugh-
ter Mary Jane, the wife of an Episcopal minister. Kevd. M. A.
Curtis, she is the mother of live children now alive, 4 sons &
a daughter. Mrs. Kennedy, mv oldest daughter, has no
children. My daughters Elizabeth & Magdalen are unmar-
ried, and in charge of my household, together with Mrs. Ken-
nedy. M\ children are truly a comfort and the joy of my life.

Mv son Armand John, married Miss Lord, by whom he has
nine children (all living) three daughters and six sons.

My grand father, mv father and myself & both of my sons
have been practitioners of medicine in this place. I am still so,
having been engaged in professional pursuits here nearly
fifty-eight years; and have prescribed for six generations in
one family. Such an instance can scarcel}T be fonud
in our country. Give God all the praise for whatever I may
have been able to do, in any way agreeable to His most holy
will. Oh praise the Lord!

Thus my dear children I have thrown together in a desul-
tory way, for your gratification such family reminiscences as
have presented themselves to my recollection, should any
others occur to my mind they shall be added.
Your affeete. Father

Wilmington, N. C, A. J. De Rosset

Novr. 17th, 1847.

P. S. — I lived with your dear mother, from 1st, August
1799, our wedding day to 9th March 1837, when she was taken
from me by a most painful and protracted disease. My first
wife died of consumption.

The foregoing memoranda might have been much extended,
but for the disastrous fire of 1840, in which my old French
Family Bible, containing numerous family records, was
destroyed, together with several other valuable memorials of
the family.

It was reported &I believe on good authority, that the resti-
tution of the family Titles and Estates, forfeited by their emi-
gration, has been tendered to my uncle, not long before the
lution in France, upon the condition of his return
to the bosom of the Komisii Ch., the offer, if made, was of
course rejected by him.

A Col. Armand. came to this place during the Revolution,
I believe with French Troops, was said & believed to be a
near relative of our family. My uncle, much prejudiced

40 The University Record

against the whole nation, would make no inquiry, nor any
advance toward him.

It was also said that a branch of the De Rosset family
existed in Narbonne, not Protestants, but if so, how connected
with us could not be known.

I believe the above report preceeded from Mr. Jas. Walker
who having- married my uncle's niece, enjoyed his entire con-
fidence, even to the period of his death.

I had neglected to state some circumstances in my father's
life, related to me by my mother. On his attaing his major-
ity, before commencing- his professional life, he became enam-
ored of a Miss B., who was not deemed on a footing (with)
him; being- a dutiful & affectionate son he yielded to his
father and other friends, and went to sea, a supercarg-o; the
vessel was taken by a privateer. I believe Spanish, was carried
to some of their ports, & thrown into prison, stripped of
everything-. How long- he continued there I forg-et; though
I think one or two years. When released he g-ot on board
some vessel, <£ arrived in Boston, & after being supplied with
clothing and necessaries in abundance by a Mr. Campbell, I
think his name was Thomas, he returned home. Mr. C. was
the brother of the late Mr. Campbell of this place, in compli-
ment to whom, our late friend Mr. W. C. Lord was called.

After my father's return he entered upon the practice of
physic & continued it till his death. Miss B. had married.
A very close friendship and correspondence was carried on
between Mr. Campbell & my father to the last day of his
life.

You will remark that family rank and standing in those
days were not lost sight of; hence the disapprobation of my
father's friends to his union with Miss B. No objection was
raised to his connection with your grand mother; indeed I
believe his attentions to her were directed by his friends.

Note — Mrs. Catherine DeRosset Meares enables me to give
further items in regard to the author of this letter. He was
trained for college by his mother and her sister, and by his
step-father, Rev. Adam Boyd, supplemented by a school in
Hillsboro, N. C. He entered Princeton University, then Col-
lege of New Jersey, at the age of seventeen. Having slender
means he pursued his studies in vacations, at the same time
teaching other students. He thus graduated in three years,

James Sprunt Historical Monograph 41

in 1785. On his return home be was shipwrecked, losing his
spare clothing- and books. The next year he entered the Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, and there gained the
friendship of Benjamin Rush and other eminent men. Grad-
uating in 1790, he at once settled in Wilmington and entered
on an extensive practise, gaining the reputation of being one
of the best physicians and surgeons in the South. He was
in active service for sixty-nine years, visiting all who called
on him for his services, whether or not able to pay. His
last case was that of a woman 91 years old, who became the
mother of a child. (See Proceedings of the N. C. Medical
Society, May, 1859.)

Dr. DeRosset was an ardent patriot as a boy of fourteen
in the Revolution, engaging at that age in a fight at the
Oaks, near Wilmington. In person he was short, not over 5
feet 4 inches, with light blue eyes and ruddy complexion,
with a benign expression. In dress always neat, keeping
white linen stock, knee breeches and buckles, silk stockings
and queue until his fiftieth birthday. His habits were regu-
lar and perfectly temperate. He gave up about forty years
before his death the old fashioned habit of regular toddies
because he learned that his example was quoted by younger
men. He was always courteous and boundlessly hospitable.
He was idolized by his family and was a kind, judicious mas-
ter of his slaves, several of whom after being freed becoming
useful ministers of the Gospel. For many years he was Port
Physician of Wilmington. He was a promoter of the Bible
Society of Wilmington and for a long time its President, suc-
ceeding the first President, George Hooper. He was an
active member and Lay Reader of St. James church, and a
generous supporter. He was for many years a Justice of the
Peace. He was for thirty years a Director of the Bank of
Cape Fear, and a $10,000 subscriber to the stock of the Wil-
mington and Raleigh, now Wilmington and Weldon Railroad
Company. By subscribing an equal amount to tne Rockfish
Cotton Factory he assisted in the promotion of these useful
enterprises.

42 The University Record

This most excellent man lived to his 92nd year, passing-
above on Apri list, 1859.

Contemporary Account of Conferring the Degree of M.D. on

Dr. Armand John DeRosset by the University

of Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Packet, AND DAILY ADVERTISER
of June 19, 1790, contains the following- article:

"Philadelphia, Jun 19,
On Tuesday, June 8, the Commencement was held
by adjournment, for the purpose of conferring- the degree
of Doctor of Medicine, in the College
hall of this city. The business was opened with a
prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Smith, Provost of the Col-
lege. A pertinent address was afterwards delivered
to the audience, by Dr.Shippen, in which several
judicious reasons were g-iven for conferring- the degree of
Doctor, instead of Bachellor of Medicine
in the Colleg-e. The following candidates were then
examined upon the subjects of their theses by
the different Professors of Medicine: viz.

Armand John De Rosset, of North Carolina,

De Febribus Intermittentibus.
James Proudfit, of the State of New York,

De pleuritide vera.
John Pennington, of Philadelphia,
On Fermentation.
The Latin theses were examined and defended,
in the Latin lang-uag-e. The thesis on Fermentation,
which, for the modern terms employed in it, was neces-
sarily written in English, was examined
and defended in the same lang-uag-e.

The Degree of Doctor of Medicine was then conferred
by the Provost, upon Samuel Powell Griffith,
M. B. Professor of Materia Medica in the Colleg-e,
and upon each of the candidates, to whom the right
hand of fellowship was afterwards publickly given
by each of the Medical Professors. The business of the
day was concluded with a sensible and pathetic
address to the Graduates, by the Provost
of the Colleg-e."

James Sprunt Historical Monograph 4tt

copy of tin.- Latin thesis of Dr. A. J. IK l\\»sset, delivered
upon his graduation .it the Medical College of Philadelphia,
baring hem sent to Hon. Benj. Hawkins, then U. S. Senator
from North Carolina, the following acknowledgement was

received:

New York, June 25th, 1790.

Sir:

I acknowledge with great pleasure the receipt of your
Medical thesis, on intermitting fevers, which you did the
honor to present to me. I do not presume to take on myself
to judge of the performance, being incompetent, but some of
my medical friends who are really learned, say it has consid-
erable merit.

Although I am a citizen of the World and admire merit and
genius wherever it may be found, yet, I confess myself some
what more interested in your little work as being the produc-
tion of a fellow-citizen of the particular country that gave me
being. I had heard you spoken of as possessing considerable
talents and application, and, without the pleasure of knowing
you, was desirous of your success, that you might be an exam-
ple to your countrymen, who, unfortunately, spend too much
of their time in idleness and dissipation.

Accept my best wishes for your success in your profession
and future studies, and believe me, with much esteem, Sir,
Your most obt. & humble Servt.

1 Benjamin Hawkins.

Dr. De Rosset.

Letters of 2Dr. Benjamin Rush, to Dr. DeRosset.

Phili'da. Novr. 24th, 1790.

Dear Sir:

Both your letters came safe to hand, and gave me much
pleasure. I am much obliged to you for your attention to the
orders committed to you. I shall inquire into Mr. Standley's
circumstances & act accordingly.

Our City swarms with students of Medicine. But they are
nearly equally divided between the College and the Univer-
sity. 3 Dr. Shippen's attachment to the latter has been open
and impudent this year; in consequence of which, 4 Dr. Hutch-
inson has a larger class than 5 Dr. Wistar, and 8 Dr. Kuhn
only ten in his class, less than I have in mine. I have made

44 The University Record

man}' additions to my lectures, especially to my proximate
cause of fever.

I consider the action in the arterial system to be a convul-
sion, resembling in many particulars, a convulsion in the ner-
vous system. I think I have fully established by many facts,
my new theories of Dropsies. I have lately bled in anasarca,
and hydrocephalus with success. In both cases there was
great excess of irregular action, or convulsions in the arterial
system.

I have lately used injections of cold water in four cases of
colic, attended with a full and tense pulse, and in all with the
most desirable success.

Your fellow students are all well, Mrs. Rush joins in the
best wishes for your health and happiness, with Dr. Sir

Yours Sincerely

Benjamin Rush.
Dr. De Rosset, Physician

at Wilmington, N. C.

Philida. May 6th, 1793.
Dear Sir:

You will perceive by the enclosed thesis the present state
of opinions and practice in the University of Pennsylvania.
My 2nd volume of Medical inquires will be published in the
course of the ensuing summer which will contain a full expla-
nation of my principles on dropsy and Pulmonary Consump-
tion.

My dear Mrs. Rush joins in my compliments to Mrs. De Ros-
set and best wishes for your happiness, with Dr. Sir

Your sincere friend

2 Benjn. Rush.

1 Benjamin Hawkins, of North Carolina — Aide-de-camp to
Washing-ton; member of the Congress of the Confederacy; one
of the first Senators from North Carolina; Indian Agent; with
residence in Georgia; author of Topography, and Indian char-
acter, &c.

2 Benjamin Rush, a Signer of the Declaration of Independ-
ence; member of the Continental Congress; member of the
Convention which ratified the Federal Constitution; Professor
of Medicine and Clinical Practice in the University of Penn-
sylvania; distinguished himself in the yellow fever epidemic

Jami'- BPBUm E&IVOBS u. Monograph 46

In Philadelphia in 1703, and wrote a valuable history of it;
author of other Medical works.

•'< William Shippen, who delivered the first course of lec-
tures <>n anatomy in America, it is said.

1 Dr. James Hutchinson, Surg-eon of the Continental Line,
177t.-'s;>; Professor of Materia Medica, University of Pennsyl-
vania.

:> Caspar Wistar, adjunct and then Professor of Anatomy in
the University of Pennsylvania. Author of "System of
Anatomy."

6 Adam Kuhn, the President of the College of Physicians
and Surgeons. He was also a Botanist.

Commission to Dr. Annand John DeRossets the Elder, to be a
Surgeon of Militia.

(COPY)
THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,

To Armand John De Rosset, Esqr. Greeting:
We reposing special trust and confidence
GREAT in your Medical Knowledge, do hereby appoint
\L of you a Surgeon in the 3d Regiment of the MI-
the LITI A of our State: and you are hereby invest-

statk. ed with the authority and Command belonging1
to said office, that you may promptly and Dili-
gently perform the duties thereof, as prescribed
by Law and Military Discipline, (after taking- such oath or
oaths as are necessary for vour qualification) in the discharge
of which, all officers and Soldiers under your command are re-
quired to yield to you their ready obedience.

In testimony of which, His excellency WILLIAM HAW-
KINS. Esquire, our Governor, Captain-General and Com-
mander in Chief, hath caused the Great Seal of the State to
be hereunto affixed, and sigmed the same at our City of Ral-
eigh, on the K»th day of October in the year of Our Lord one
thousand eig"ht hundred and fourteen and of the Independence
Of the U. States the XXXIXth.

By the Governor, l William Hawkins.

Tho. Marcy, Private Secretary.

William Hawkins, nephew of Senator Benjamin Hawkins.

46 The University Record

He was speaker of the House of Commons — Governor from
1811 to 1814.

Extract from the Records oj the New Hanover Medical

Society.

"Present: Dr. Jas. H. Dickson, President; and Drs. Ander-
son, Thomas, McRee, Wright, Cutlar, Beery, Potter, and
Medway.

Committee, appointed to prepare resolutions relative to the
death of Dr. A. J. De Rosset, reported through Dr. J. H.
Dickson, the following, which are adopted unanimously.

Whereas: It has pleased the all-wise disposer of events, to
call from this transitory life, at the very advanced age of
Ninety-one years, our venerable and highly esteemed profes-
sional friend and "confrere" — Dr. Armand J. De Rosset, Sen-
ior, we esteem it a duty, as well as a melancholy privilege,
to place upon record, an united testimonial of our exalted ap-
preciation of his character, both as a man and as a physician.

Though by many years, the senior of those engaged in the
active duties of the Medical profession; there are some among
us, who have had the advantage of profiting in consultation,
by the skill and large experience of this Nestor of our profes-
sion, now no more among the living; and, who have had the
opportunity of observing the calm wisdom of his intellect, and
the uniform kindness and courtesy of his manner, which, in-
deed, seemed to ripen with advancing years.

After finishing his collegiate course at Princeton, A. J. De
Rosset became a pupil of the celebrated Dr. Rush of Philadel-
phia, and was one of the earliest graduates of the Medical
College of the City.

He had thus availed himself of the best means, which the
time and the Country afforded, to prepare himself for the ar-
duous and important duties of his professional life.

Commencing his profession in the last decade of the last
century, he continued in the active performance of its duties,
until a few years past, when the growing pressure of years
rendered him physically incompetent for its labors, while his
intellect preserved its integrity to the close of his life.

For several months past, it became painfully apparent to
his friends that his strength was failing, and that the close of
his earthly career was near at hand.

Of this no one was better assured than himself, and it was

J.XMF.S Sl'UI'M HISTORICAL MONOORAlMt 47

atory to observe the cainoeti and resignation with

t which he contemplated the approach <>f dissolution — not the
calmness of the Stoic, but the peaceful, serene resignation of
the Christian; tor our venerable friend was of the highest
lype of man the Christian Gentleman.
During his life he was an honor to the medical profession
of the State, and alter having served several generations
faith full v and acted his part worthily upon earth, he has at
length been gathered to his fathers, full of years and full of
honors

'having now
The bound of man's appointed years, at last
Lifes blessings all enjoyed, lifes labor done,
Serenely to his final rest, has past;
While the soft memory of his virtues, yet
Lingers like twilight hues when the bright
Sun is set.'
He has both in his life and in his death, left us an example
worthy of our imitation.

His professional attainments were of a high order, and no
doubt contributed to the elevation of the professional charac-
ter in our State; while his sterling qualities as a man and a
Christian reflect their additional lustre upon it.

Let it be our aim, by the practice of like virtues, to elevate
ourselves, our profession and our State.

Resolved: That, While we condole with his surviving rela-
tions in the bereavement which they have sustained, we re-
joice with them at the bright legacy which has been left them
of a noble character erected on a basis of spotless integrity
and a well spent life.

The Secretary was directed to send the family of the de-
ceased a copy of the above; and, also to furnish copies to the
local Press, and, to the N. C. Medical Journal.

Jas. H. Dickson,
F. W. Potter, Prest.

Secty.

1 James Henderson Dickson, A.M.; M.D., was a graduate
of this University in 1823. His M.D. was from Columbia
College, N. Y. He was President of the Medical Society in
North Carolina, in 1854 and member of the Board of Medical
Examiners. 1858-1862. He delivered an address before the
Alumni Association at Chapel Hill in 18 on the Progress of

48 The University Record

Science, which was printed and much enhanced his reputa-
tion.

Dr. Moses John DeRosset, The Younger.

As has been said Dr. Armand John DeRosset, the elder, had
two sons, one by his first wife, Moses John, and the other by
his second, Armand John DeRosset.

Moses John DeRosset was born February 11, 1796, entered
the University of North Carolina in 1813 and graduated in
1816. He then obtained his diploma at the New York Medi-
cal College in 1820, and practiced medicine with great success
in copartership with his father. In the yellow fever epidemic
in 1821 he was particularly active and skilful. He died Jul}r
1, 1826, leaving an exceedingly high reputation. The follow-
ing correspondence with Dr. Valentine Mot, the elder, one of
the ablest surgeons this country has had, shows the high re-
gard in which young Dr. DeRosset was held by the profession.

CORRESPONDENCE.
Dr. Moses John DeRosset To Dr. Valentine Mott.

Wilmington, N. C, July 4th, 1825.

Dear Sir:

I have a friend and a patient in whom I feel much interest,
whose case has completely baffled my skill, and resisted every
plan of treatment I could devise for three months past. You
will oblige me much if you will state your opinion of its na-
ture, remark freely upon its treatment and suggest any course
that will probably afford relief, with as little delay as the na-
ture of your engagements will permit.

Mr. J. W. aged 55, a rice planter of corpulent and plethoric
habit, who lives a rather sedentary life, and, until the present
attack, has enjoyed much uninterrupted health, was taken,
about three months since, with pains, at times acute, about
the eosiform cartilage, extending down into the right hypo-
chondriac and iliac regions, attended with a sense of stricture,
stretching around to the point of the scapula, and with some
degree of unctation and rumbling of the bowels; the pain has
been equally confined to the parts above mentioned, though

JAMM SPRUNT BmOBIOAL MONOGRAM I 10

at times it is at the umbllicum, and has been felt even as low
as the region of the bladder. Mr. W. seems to be under the
impression, notwithstanding ray opinion to the contrary, thai
his present malady is in Borne way connected and dependent
on a disease under which he has labored at intervals for manj

is. which from, the description appears to have been a vio-
lent spasmodic affection of the stomach, and on one occasion

long ago perhaps as 1811) was so seven- as to require sev-
eral hundred drops of laudanum to allay it, and to produce
ecchymoris. or effusion of purple spots over the entire body
the day after. He complained occasionally in the commence-
ment of his disease of a distressing- pulsation in epigastric,
which was never sufficiently evident for me to ascertain
whether it was synchronous with the pulse or not; it appears
to me to arise from nervous irritation; he has not complained
recently of the symptom. His pulse has been almost uniform-
ly full, and intermittent, but never more than eig-hty strokes
in the minute, his appetite has been little or not impaired;
his spirits much depressed; his body considerably much ama-
ciated; his complexion and eyes clear; his stools natural both
as to color and consistency, his tongue generally clean, and
there has been no difficulty of lying on either side.

The disease has been unattended throug-hout with any
cough, dyspnoea, nausea or pain in the shoulders; no percep-
tible enlargement of the hepatic region, and until latterly,
the pain not increased by pressure. The disease at first pre-
sented itself to my mind as a disordered state of the dig-estive
function, in which every symptom of hepatic derangement
was absent, except pain in that region, accompanied with a
nervous irritability and depression of spirits bordering- on
Byporchondriasis.

The treatment consisted of active depletion the Lancet,
by cathartics repeated twice a week for some time, with a
succession of blisters, with a mercurial course carried to the
extent of a pretty full ptyalism, and with tartar emetic oint-
ment, with little or no evident benefit; at one time I supposed
that the pain might proceed from tape-worm, and prescribed
an active dose of ol. terebinth, with more relief of the urgent
symptoms perhaps than from any article which he has taken.
It was repeated without my direction, but was not attended
with the same relief, though with some affection of the uri-
nary organs, which was removed without difficulty. At an-
other time I prescribed the tr. colch. vinous, under the im-
pression that it might proceed from a gouty diathesis, but

50 The University Record

with the like unsuccessful result. He is now and has been
for some time on the use of the nitric acid, and as the tart,
emetic ointment has ceased to produce the pustulating- effect,
I have sent him camphorated mercurial ointment, to be applied
to the hepatic region, intending to thus affect his mouth very
slightly again. I find it still necessary to, occasionally, resort
to the use of the lancet, and I think always with benefit, the
blood when drawn looks thick and dark, and ccvered with
buff when coaling. He has never been confined to his bed,
his diet is strictly antiphlogistic, and ngular exercise on
horseback has been prescribed, the last part of the prescription
however, owing to his great repugnance to motion, I fear he
does not regard to its full letter. A visit to the North and
especially to Saratoga has been recommended but not con-
curred in by the patient. He usually spends his summers in
the interior of his State, about a hundred and fifty miles from
the seaboard, in a fine salubrious climate, and probably will
ride much among the mountains during the ensuing season.

Thus far I had written when I received a summons to visit
him about 30 miles from this, but before I saw him the urgent
symptoms which had occasioned my call had disappeared
without remedy. As described by Mrs. W — one of the most
intelligent ladies I ever saw, they were these: Acute pain at
the scrobiculus cordis, subsultus of almost every muscle in the
body, great redness of the face, and violent throbbing of the
carotids and temporals, in her emphatic language, — he looked
all over like one great pulse. When I saw him the next day,
he was much as usual except the pulse was smaller, more reg-
ular and much quicker than I had ever felt it. In case of a
recurrence of the paroxysm I directed the use of ether, and
laudanum and synapisms to the pained part. I took eight or
ten ounces of blood from his arm, and as depletion had now
been carried as far as I deemed necessary or prudent, I advised
tonics, and their journey to the back country to be commenced
immediately. Could your great experience and extensive pro-
fessional acquirements suggest any plan of treatment afford-
ing- a probable prospect of success, I should feel greatly
obliged.

Your obedt. servant
Dr. Valentine Mott, (Signed) M. J. De Rosset.

New York.
Dear Doctor:

Your letter of 4th inst. I very much admire for the excellent
history and description of a case which is presented for my

James BpfttTFI BtolOIK \i. Monograph 51

opinion. You have beyond doubt narrated the symptoms of
the case with great fidelity; but I must confess I am fearful
thai it will not be in my power to improve the excellent treat-
menl \<>u have subjected him and suggested to him. I frank-
h confess I cannot name his disease. Some functional or
inic derangement may exist, which has occasioned great
nervous irritability. It may be in the stomach or liver or
both. Your idea of travelling and residing- at Saratoga I
highly approve of, the best plan to be adopted by him. Per-
haps you might give a pill of aloes, carl), ferri. and zinzib. to
preserve the tone of the stomach, and keep up a gentle move-
ment to some advantage, not however to omit exercise on
horseback.

Truly your friend,
Dr. De Rossel (Signed) Valentine Mott.

DR. Armand John DeRosset, the Younger,

son of Dr. Armand John DeRosset, the elder, by his second wife,
was born October 9th, 1807. He was prepared for the Univer-
sity by J a iiks W. Mitchell, entered it in 1821 and graduated
in 1824, with Governor and Senator William A. Gra-
ham, Judge Matthias E. Manly and other eminent men. He
then attended lectures in Charleston and in Philadelphia,
receiving his diploma from his father's university, State of
Pennsylvania, in 1828. He practiced with much success and
growing reputation tor several years, when, rinding the
requirements too painful for his sympathetic temperament.
he exchanged it first for a partnership in the Phoenix mill,
and then in 1839 for that of a commission merchant with John
Potts Brown. The business was lucrative until some time
after the war with new partners, when the house got into
financial trouble by reason of the extraordinarv conditions
then prevailing. Although the creditors offered a liberal com-
promis \ Dr. DeRosset refused to accept it, surrendered for sale
his beautiful home ami other property and paid all his debts.
To one who urged him to act otherwise he said, ,4The mens
sibi conscia recti has been tar more precious to me than the
(session of any amount which the laws or the circumstances
ot the case would have enabled me to retain/1 After living

52 The University Record

in affluence for over three score and ten years he accepted
the position of clerk, and without loss of self-respect or honor
with the community, worked for the support of himself and
those dependent on him.

Dr. DeRosset was always a public spirited citizen. He was
one of the first subscribers to the stock of the Wilmington and
Weldon Railroad Company and a Director from its inaugura-
tion for fifty-five years. In 1849 when the company was in
straits he negotiated in England without compensation a loan
in iron rails, which saved the road. After the Civil War,
when ruin was again threatening, he, likewise, with no com-
pensation, negotiated abroad in 1865 an extension of time of
payment of the company bonds.

In the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which he was from
boyhood an active member, he suceeded his father as Senior
Warden of St. James church and held the office for nearly
fifty years. He was much of that time a member of the
Standing Committee and Treasurer of the Diocese of North
Carolina, and, after its division, of East Carolina until near
his death, He likewise as Deputy represented for many years
these dioceses in the General Convention, the highest honor
a layman can have in this church.

In 1829 Dr. DeRosset married Eliza Jane Lord. They
lived a most happy life for forty-seven years. They had
eleven children, of whom five survive. Some time after her
death he married Catherine M. Kennedy. They had no
children.

Dr. DeRosset, in all public and private relations, was ap-
proached in excellence by few and excelled by none.

The following paraphrase of the Lord's Prayer was written
by Dr. Armand J. DeRosset in 1889, he being in his eighty-
third year:

Father in Heaven, to Thee we pray

That Thy great Name may hallowed be,
Thy kingdom come — Oh! haste the day
When all the world shall bow to Thee,
When Thy blest will shall have full sway,
And Earth, like Heaven, from sin be free.

fixM si-KiM Historical Monograph

Sustain. ( )h Lord ! our bodies frail,
Pfl rur soul with bread of life,

.: IVC our sins, lei us not fail

Our foes to bless, and keep from strife.

Whene'er the tempter's wiles assail
Do Thou be near, and keep us pure.

May Thy good Spirit never fail
To be our guide for evermore.

(ilory Power to Thee belong-,
In Thy dread presence we appear,

( >nly in the Name of Christ Thy Son,
who taught us to make our prayer.

September 18th, 1889.

THE EARLY YEARS OF WILMINGTON— EXTRACTS

FROM THE TOWN JOURNAL—LETTERS

OF JAMES MURRAY.

historical note, by Samuel A. Ashe,

As soon as the North Carolina Colony had gained repose
after the subjugation of the Indians and the removal of the
Tuscaroras to New York, there was a considerable influx of
population and the lands along the Neuse and adjacent to the
sounds were measurably occupied. Perhaps to keep the Col-
ony compact, the Lords Proprietors directed that no settle-
ment should be made within twenty miles of the Cape Fear
river. But in 1725 Governor Burrtngton, disregarding these
orders, explored the Cape Fear and opened lands there to
entry; and shortly afterward, Maurice Moore laid out a town
on the west side of that river about fifteen miles from its
mouth, which he called "Brunswick," and invited settlers to
locate there. Shortly afterwards, jCornelius Harnett, who
had disappeared from his Albemarle home in 1726, established
a ferry at a haul-over opposite Brunswick, and this ferry was
sanctioned and legalized by the General Court held in Eden-
ton in March 1727, since there was no other authority having
jurisdiction over the Cape Fear region. It was about that
time that many other settlers hastened to take up the best
lands on the Cape Fear River and its branches.

In November 1729, Brunswick was incorporated and made
the County Seat of the new precinct called "New Hanover,"
and the election of vestrymen for St. James Parish was di-
rected to be held there. During Burrington's second term,
John Maultsby entered 640 acres opposite the confluence of
the two branches of the Cape Fear; but at that time what is
now called "Clarendon River" was considered to be the North-

1 Father of Cornelius Harnet of the Revolution. — K. P. B.

Jambs Sprunt Historical Monograph M

west Branch* John Watson at the same time entered 64(1
acres adjoining Maultshy's and extending- down the river, hut
it was not until Borne two years later, in 1735, alter Governor
Johnston had come over, that patents were issued for these
entries. In the meantime, a few settlers had located on
Maultshy's entry and called their settlement "New Liver-
pool.*1 But in March or April 1733, Michael Hig-g-ines and
Joshua (rrang-er purchased from Watson 50 acres of land,
being- in the central portion of it and fronting- about one
fourth of a mile on the river, and James Wimble bought all
the lower part; and immediately following-, Watson and Wim-
ble and Grander and Hig-gines agreed to establish a town on
their lands; and they accordingly laid out Market St. and
Front St., being- the present streets bearing- those names in
Wilmington, and ran other streets parallel with them; and
their town was called "Newton" or "New Town." Hardly
had the new town been begun before the superior advantag-es
oi its situation became evident, and there arose conflicting-
interest between it and the older settlement at Brunswick.

Governor Johnston, who took the oaths of office in Novem-
ber 1734. being- informed that Brunswick was unhealthy, and
having no interest there, purchased lands adjacent to Newton
and became an ardent advocate of making- that village the
commercial, business and political centre of the Cape Fear
section. In this he was opposed by those gentlemen who had
already established themselves at Brunswick and who hoped
that their fortunes were to be increased by its future growth
and prosperity. But the Governor was so assured of the
superiority of the Newton site that he paid slig-ht attention
to their wishes, and within three months after his induction
into office, be began actively to advance Newton at tin
pense of Brunswick. Doubtless it was with his concurrence
that on March <>. 1735. there was presented to the Council a
petition from the inhabitants and others about Newton,
praying k'that the said place may be made a town by the

name .>» , provided that the inhabitants thereof do

within two years from date hereof, build and erect six brick

56 The Univezsity Record

houses in the principal streets, of forty feet long- and 30 feet
deep;" but the Council, not having the necessary powers, took
no action and the subject of incorporating- the town was
brought before the next General Assembly, which met at
Newbern in 1736. At that time, a bill to incorporate the
town under the name of Wilmington was proposed in the
upper house; but seems to have failed. It appears from it
that the Governor had thus early designed to bestow on the
town the name of '"Wilmington," to compliment his patron,
Sir Spencer Compton, then Earl of Wilmington, a nobleman
of great worth, abilities and integrity, who for many years
occupied a high position at Court, and was soon to be Prime
Minister. One of the provisions of that bill directed the
establishment of a court house at Newton and the holding of
a court there. Indeed, in March 1735, the Governor had been
pleased to appoint a court of Exchequer, which was, kkto be
opened and held at Newton on the northeast branch of the
Cape Fear River on the 13th of May following," and at the
same time, he issued a proclamation reciting that as no court
of Oyer and Terminer had as yet been held on the Cape Fear
River, he appointed a court to be held at Newton on the north-
east branch of the Cape Fear, on the 13th of May, 1735; and
he also appointed Newton, as the place for collecting and re-
ceiving quit-rents, and on the 13th day of May he held a Coun-
cil at Newton, and after that other Councils met there. The
Legislature, however, seems not to have incorporated the
town until 1740, although in 1736 it enacted that the quit-
rents for Onslow and New Hanover should be paid at Newton;
and in the fall of that year, Governor Johnston appointed
James Murray Naval Officer, and directed him to opeu his
office at Newton, thus practically closing the port of Bruns-
wick. At length in February 1740, the Governor was able
to carry his point, and a bill was passed incorporating the
town under the name of Wilmington. But in the Council only
eight members being present, there were four votes for it and
four votes against it, and the presiding Councillor, Chief- Jus-

JAMBS fiPEUJH HISTORICAL k6*0GBAM fi7

ticc Smith, having already once voted for it. making the tie,
,»s presiding Officer gave .1 second vote to break the tie, thus
passing the bill through the Council. The friends of Bruns-
wick were no1 content t<> be overreached in that way, and
quite .1 controversy arose as to the legality <>i an act passed
hv one Councillor giving two votes.

Section First of the act recites: "That, whereas several
merchants, tradesmen, artificers and other persons of good
substance have settled themselves at a village called Newton,
lying on tin- east branch of the Cape Fear River, and whereas,
the said village by reason of its convenient situation at the
meeting of the two great branches of the Cape Fear River,
and likewise by reason of the depth of water capable of receiv-
ing vessels of considerable burden, because of the safety of
its roads beyond any other part of the river and the secure
and easy access from all parts of the different branches of the
said river, is iijion all those and many other accounts, more
proper for being erected into a town or township than any
other part of the said river," — therefore, the Legislature pro-
led to "erect it into a town and township by the name of
Wilmington;" with the privilege of choosing one representa-
tive to sit in the General Assembly; and the persons entitled
to vote for said representative were limited to "every tenant
of any brick, stone or frame habitable house of the length of
twenty feet and sixteen feet wide within said town, and other
persons who were actually in possession or an inhabitant of
,1 brick house of the length of thirty feet and sixteen feet wide
within the bounds of said town upwards and Smith's Creek;"
and it was further enacted "that no person should be deemed
qualified to be a KYpresentative of said town to sit in the
leral Assembly, unless he was seizin of a brick, stone or
frame house with one <>r more brick chimneys, the house to be
of the dimensions aforesaid;" and the following persons were
appointed commissioners for the said town: James Murray.
Robert Halton, Samuel Woodard, William Karris, Richard
es, John Porter and Robert Walker.

58 The University Record

The Governor was very much elated at his success in having
this bill passed, but the controversy about the manner of its
passing- through the Council became so great that at its next
session, the Legislature found it expedient to pass a second
act "because of the disputes which raised doubts and much
perplexed the minds of several of the inhabitants of the said
county of New Hanover." In this act it is provided that the
election of the vestrymen for the Parish of St. James in New
Hanover County and all other public elections for the said
County of New Hanover and for the said Parish called "St.
James Parish," shall be held and made in the town of Wil-
mington. Prior to that, under an act of 1729, these elections
had been held at Brunswick, and these acts were death-blows
to Brunswick, and resulted in the complete victory for the
Governor and the New Town over those who had settled at
Brunswick. Wilmington at once became the metropolis of
the Cape Fear region.

EXTRACTS FROM THE RECORD.

We have before us the records of the Commissioners' meet-
ings of the town of Wilmington, beginning* in April 1743, the
following being extracts:

"Wilmington, April 5, 1743.

The Freeholders met at the Court House in pursuance of
an act of the Assembly to elect proper persons to be returned
to His Excellency, the Governor, to serve as Commissioners
for the ensuing year; when on closing the poll, the rive fol-
lowing had a majority of votes, viz.: James Campbell, Rufus
Marsden, James Smallwood, Richard Hellier and Armand De
Rosset; and return whereof, was made to His Excellency, the
Governor.

Wilmington, April 27, 1743.

A g-eneral meeting- of the inhabitants and freeholders of
Wilmington in order to concert measures for laying out the
streets of the said town in a more exact manner, is desired
by the subscribers to meet at the Court House on Monday, the
9th day of May next, at 10 o'clock in the morning.

Signed: William Harris, Richard Hellier, Samuel Green,
James Campbell, Rufus Marsden and John Maultsby, Jr."

James Sprunt HurfORS u. Monograph 59

In pursuance to the above a1 the time and place there men-
tioned, the greatest part <>l the freeholders and inhabitants

Biet and rank- to the following resolution, VtZ: ''Whereas, \vr.

the subscribers, freeholders and inhabitants of the town of
Wilmingion, have taken into consideration the many incon-
veniences and hardships inhabitants of the said town suffered
by reason that the hounds of the lots and Btreets thereof are
not duly ascertained, and in order to come to the knowled
o\ the original survej of the said town, have desired the favor

Michael Biggines, one of the original Proprietors, to de-
clare, and lie has declared before a Magistrate upon oath
what he knows of the original survey and the said declara-
tion or affidavit of Mr. Higgines, seems to locate to our satis-
faction the place where the said survey was begun together
with the courses and manner of carrying it on, we have

olved and do hereby resolve that Mr. William Faris, Mr.
Rufus Marsden, and Mr. Thomas Clarke shall be empowered

I Commissioners to agree with a proper Surveyor and neces-
sary assistants, to re-survey the streets of the said town, and
fix proper stakes or posts at convenient places and to defray
the charges of the premises, we, the said subscribers, do
hereby promise to pay Mr. Thomas Clarke, or produce him
the Surveyor's Receipt for the sums opposite our respective
names, within ten days after the said town shall be surveyed,
pursuant to the agreement to be made by the Commissioners
aforesaid; and that the said re-survey may be agreed for and
made on the terms and in the manner that shall be most
agreeable to the freeholders of the said town, it is the inten-
tion of us, the subscribers, and accordingly resolved, that the
Commissioners aforesaid shall not make the agreement for
the re-survey, but have three days notice fixed at the Court
House of the time and place appointed for making such agree-
ment, which shall not be made without the consent of the
freeholders aforesaid, being subscribers hereto, or the major-
ity of them then and there present.

William Faris
James Murr.
Thomas Clarkt

Wilmington, N. C, May 9, 1743
25 pounds currency.
10
10 "

William Norton

Rufus Marsden

LOs ••

Phillip David
Richard Hellier

5
2

t i

The University Record

Thomas James
Joshua Granger
John Maultsby

5 pounds currency.
8 "
10 "

Caleb Granger by Wm
Thomas Hedges
Francis Veale

Faris 20
5
10 fc

*Robert Walker

4 ( (

Daniel Dunbibin

5 '

James Small wood

5 '

Morgan Morgan
Hugh Blanning
Samuel Cain

5 k

5 '

Nicholas Fox

5 •

John Wright
John Watson

10 '

John Squires

James Campbell
Magnus Cowan
Daniel Love

5 '
3 '
5 '

k 10s

William Birnie

5 (

McFarline

7 '
£& <

* Robert Walker and his wife Ann Montgomery Walker
are said to have come from Ireland in 1736. Their daughter
Margaret married Dr. Armand De Rosset, who came to New
Liverpool in 1775.

The deposition of Michael Higgines relating- to the former
survey of the town is as follows:

North Carolina, New Hanover County,

Michael Higgines, late of the town of Wilmington, Ordi-
nary Keeper, at the request of many of the inhabitants and
freeholders of the said town, maketh oath that in the year of
our Lord 1733, John Watson, planter, was possessed of
a tract of land containing- 640 acres by virtue of a warrant
from Governor Burrington, beginning- at John Maultsby's
line to Col. Halton's line, then along- his line south to the
corner thereof and thence several courses down the northeast
branch of the Cape Fear River; that in March or April 1733,
he, this deponent, and Joshua Granger, Sr. bought of the
said John Watson fifty acres, part of the said tract of land,
beginning at a tree which then grew in a hollow where Wil-
liam Faris' tar house now stands, fronting down the river

James Sprunt Bbrobii \i. Monograph 01

near a quarter ol a mile, and running back for the compli-
ment; that on <»r about the said month oi April. James Wim-
ble, Mariner, bought <d" the said John Watson the remaining
part of the said tract that was below the land purchased by
this deponent and Mr. Granger; and this said tract was
divided between John Watson, I who still continued to possess
the other upper part of it.' this deponent, Joshua Granger
and James Wimble. And the said John Watson, this depon-
ent. Joshua Granger and James Wimble, in the month of
April or thereabouts, entered into an agreement to lay out
part oi the said traet of laud into lots and streets for a town,
and to fix a centre in the Market St. where the town house
now stands, and the same was accordingly laid out, on or
about the said month of April, by William Gray, Surveyor,
in the following manner, viz: "Beginning at a place where

now lies the threshold of the north door next to the

house, now possessed by Hugh Blanning, thence running
northwest three poles, which station was agreed and fixed
upon by us, said place to be the middle of Market Street afore-
said, and as the course of the said street was a half point
north and this deponent having now reviewed the front street
of the said town, saith: 'That he verily believes that post
standing in the northeast corner of the yard posessedby Hugh
Blanning, is exactly in the western line of Front Street,
which street was run at right angle with Market St. of the
width of four poles and all the other streets in the bounds of
the then intended town were laid out four poles wide, and
were exactly parallel either to PAront Street or Market Street
before ascertained, and that all the lots aforesaid were of the
length of 2<) poles with a breadth of four poles except the
water lots, which were likewise four poles wide down to a low
watermark.' And this deponent further saith: 'That when
tin- said Surveyor, running along Front Street, went down
p or declining places, he ordered the chief chain-bearer
to hold up the eh. tin and the other one to hold down the chain
and to the contrary in going up; in order and with the inten-
tion that all the lots might be of equal breadth,' further saith
not.

Sworn and subscribed by Michael Higgines on the 9th of
1743 before me.

Ja. Murray, J. P.' "

Wilmington, May 30, 1743.
Agreeable to an advertisement put up at the Court House

62 The University Record

on the 24th of this instant, Ma}- , in pursuance of the agree-
ment made by the inhabitants of Wilmington, bearing- date
the 9th of this instant, wherein, it was agreed and resolved
that public notice should be given three days at least to treat
with the proper Surveyor to run out the streets of the said
town. Accordingly, we, the freeholders present, do resolve
that Jeremiah Vail, do as soon as conveniently may be,
re-survey the streets of the town agreeable to the oath of
Michael Higgines, and that the said Surveyor be upon oath
to do the same justly and truly without fraud, and in consid-
eration of which, he shall receive out of the subscription
money 150 pounds.

Ordered that the squares of the said town be staked out at
every corner of each square at the charge of the said town
and that the chain-bearers be upon oath to carry the chains
justly and truly and that the commissioners do agree with
proper persons to carry the chains and provide the stakes:
Sig-ned: Rufus Marsden, William Norton, Thomas Clarke,
Francis Veale, David Lindsay, Phillip David, Richard Hel-
lier, James Smallwood, Ja. Campbell, Daniel Dunbibin, Sam-
uel Green, Thomas James, William White, John Squier, John
Wrig-ht, William Birnie, Thomas Hedges, Magnus Cowan,
Morgan Morgan.

The deposition of the Surveyor and chain-carriers appointed
to re-survey the town of Wilrning-ton, namely: "Whereas,
freeholders of the town of Wilming-ton, have for the better
ascertaining* of the several lots and streets, resolved and
agreed to cause the said town to be re-surveyed agreeable to
the original survey, therefore, the beginning- of which survey
together with the' courses and breadth and length of the
streets and lots appears by the affidavit of Michael Higgines,
taken before James Murray, Esq., the 9th of May 1743, as
well as by a plan now extant of the said town, and whereas,
William Faris, Thomas Clarke, Esq., and Rufus Marsden,
the commissioners appointed by the said freeholders, have
with their consent agreed with us, we the said Jeremiah Veal,
Survey Richard Hellier, and William White maketh oath that
we will faithfully do our duty respectively in the premises, in
beginning and carrying- on the said survey, observing the
method directed by the affidavit of the said Michael Higgines
the former plan of the town, and the instructions of the said
commissioners not repugnant to the said affidavit and plan.
Sworn 7th of June 1743 before me; James Murray. Sig-ned:
Jeremiah Veal, Richard Hellier and William White."

Jamm Bpbuwt Hnrrofife u ICohoobapb «8

Wilmington, July 12, 1743.

Pursuant to an advertisement pul up al tin- town house,
iring date tbe 8tb day of this instance; signed, William
Paris and Rufus Marsden, two of the commissioners ap-
pointed, desiring inhabitants of the said town to meet on tin-
said 12th of this instance at 3 of the clock; accordingly, we,
the freeholders of the said town have met and agreed that
the Assembly of this province be petitioned to pass an act to
establish the town of Wilmington according to a survey made
at the request and with the consent of the freeholders, signed
by the said freeholders May M), 1743, and that a clause in the
said act be, that all houses now built may stand the term of
21 years from the passing of the said act."

[Thereupon, the aet of 1745, (being Chapter 10, Page 204,
ill's Collections of Laws of North Carolina) was passed,
establishing the survey, as made by Jeremiah Veal under the
direction of the freeholders of the town. Editor.]

Wilmington, November 30, 1745.

At a meeting of the commissioners, present, William Faris,
.la. Campbell, Rufus Marsden, Joshua Granger, who qualified
themselves as commissioners for the town of Wilmington pur-
suant to the act of the Assembly and also took the State
oaths appointed to be taken by all public officers and sub-
sv ribed to the test. Thomas Turney came and qualified him-
self as commissioner of the aforesaid in like manner: "Re-
solved, that Rirhard Hellier be appointed Town Clerk.
Agreed that the market for the said town be kept under the
town house for the present, until proper shambles be built;
and for the better regulating- of the market, it is resolved that
all beef, veal, mutton, venison or pork intended for sale be
hr<»ught to the >aid market place and there exposed to sale
from the first of ( October to the first of April tor two hours,
and from the first of April to the first of October yearly, one
hour, before tin- owner be at liberty to sell the same at whole-
til forestallers of the market be discovered, and
tin- inhabitants be supplied at first hand."

Ja. Small wood, praying to have the liberty of building a
piazza or shade at the front of his house not exceeding 6 feet
in breadth and to remain only during the time being at tin-
pleasure of the commissioners; the same is accordingly
inted. Resolved, that tin- commissioners do meet at the
;rt House on Saturday next to hear any complaint and to
settle the affairs of the town.

64 The University Record

At a meeting- of the commissioners June 23, 1747. Or-
dered: "That all male taxables in the town meet at the Court
House on Monday 29th by 6 o'clock in the morning- with
proper tools to work on the streets and bridges six whole
days, provided the work requires so long a time, and that a
warrant be issued to the constable to summons all masters and
mistresses of families to send their taxables at that time and
place."

At a meeting of the commissioners April 25, 1748. Or-
dered: "That whereas, the inhabitants have no other signal
for an alarum in case of invasion by our public enemies, to
invert this course by beating a drum. That no person pre-
sume to beat the same after sunset unless commanded by law-
ful authority, and that public notice be fixed at the market-
house."

At a meeting- of the commissioners August 18, 1749. Or-
dered: "That an advertisement be put at the Court House,
requiring the inhabitants to meet on Thursday morning- at
the Court House by 6 o' the clock, to work on the streets and
to bring- with them neccessary tools for that purpose.

Whereas, James Smallwood, one of the commissioners
elected, is dead, it is therefore desired that the freeholders
meet at the Court House on the 19th inst. and choose another
in his stead.

Whereas, Moses John De Rosset hath made complaint that
Ja. Campbell refuses to move his house where the billard
table is from off his land. Ordered: that the said Ja. Camp-
bell have notice of such complaint and g-ive in his answer at
next meeting. Ordered: That the necessity of buckets and
ladders for extinguishing all fire, be taken into consideration
at the next public meeting. Ordered: That every person
whose chimney is not built 3 feet above the ridge or highest
part of their house, do raise the same to that height within
four months, under the penalty of 10s. proclamation for
every default to be applied towards buying their buckets and
ladders by the commissioners for the time being.'1

August 19, 1749.

Ordered: "That the dock be made 26 feet wide in the exact

middle of Dock Street, that is to say 20 feet from the side

where Thomas Turney lives and 20 feet from the side of the

street where William Veal's houses are, according to a new

.i \mi> sntiM SmoftiOAL MoiiooftAra bg

plan annexed t<> the tcl of the Assembly, entitled: 'An .<■ I
For better regulating the town <»t Wilmington.1 "

i meetmg of the commissioners held February. 28, 1749.
sent: Ja. Murray, William Paris, Caleb Granger. Mr.
Rutherford, going to Europe, desired t<» be d from

Qualifying as a commissioner, and commended Magnus
Cowan in his room. The commissioners accordingly elected
Mr Magnus Cowan in the room of Mr. Rutherford, and he
came and took the <>ath <>i a commissioner. For summoning
the inhabitants «>i the i«>wn\ several <»t which attended,

agreed that a tax of Is. 6d. proclamation on each taxable by

tlu- Sheriff the present year for purchasing five ladders and

leather buckets. Agreed, that Mrs. Clay he paid 1 pound
proclamation quarterly tor her care in sweeping the Court
House each Saturday in every week, keeping the windows
shut and twice a week to sweep the floor.

August 14, 1750.
The freeholders met in order to choose two commissioners
in room of Ja. Murray, Esq., and Mr. Caleb Granger, who
have left the province, and first they chose William Faris,
Esq., and Dr. Isaac Paris to hold a pole, then on closing it,
there appeared a majority of votes lor Cornelius Harnett and
Lewis De Rosset, and on August 15th Cornelius Harnett and
Lewis De Rosset appeared before William Faris and took the
usual oaths as commissioners for the town of Wilmington, and
on September 25, 1750, the freeholders met in order to choose
a commissioner in the room of William Karis, Esq., who had
left the province, and they chose John Lyon.

Wilmington, Jan. 1, 1750.
A majority of the inhabitants having agreed to a tax of Is.
and 6d. proclamation per head to be levied on every male tax-
able for buying water buckets, ladders and everything neces-
sary towards extinguishing fire, it is hereby ordered that
warrants be issued out to the constable tor levying the same.
The tax laid on the inhabitants were paid to John Du Bois
amounted to (> pounds. 15s., out of which he has paid, as by
the receipts in his possession will show, as follows:
Caleb Mason for 4 ladders 2 pounds,

Magnus Cowan for 1»>

leather buckets 7 " 9s, 4d.
Cornelius Harnet for ropes

for bucket^ 5s, 8d.

•Poll is invariably spelt pole. 5

Bti The University Record

Magnus Cowan delivered for use of the town, four leather
buckets more, for which he is to be paid by the commissioners
out of the next year's tax at the rate of 9s. proclamation
money each.

June 24, 1751.

The freeholders of Wilmington met to choose a commis-
sioner in the room of Capt. John Du Bois and John Rutherford
was duly elected.

July 1, 1751.

Moses John De Rosset heretofore applied to the commis-
sioners for liberty to build a porch to his house on the street,
which was granted, but omitted to be entered, therefore, it is
now ordered to be entered.

Dec. 31, 1751.

Agreed with Mrs. Clay to sweep the Court House above and
below, keeping the windows shut, ringing the bells on neces-
sary occasions for one year to commence from to-morrow, for
which, she is to be paid the sum of 5 pounds proclamation out
of the ensuing year's tax. A majority of the inhabitants
having agreed to a tax of Is. and 6d. to be levied on the male
taxables for paying Mrs. Clay for sweeping and having care
of the Court House, and the remainder towards purchasing a
water engine.

Mar. 17, 1752.

Whereas, several chimneys have taken fire lately to the
great hazard of the inhabitants of said town; resolved: To
levy a fine of 20s. proclamation on the inhabitant of every
such house without admitting of any excuse whatever. One
half to the informer and the other half to the use of the town.
Resolved: That any person making use of the public ladders
unless in case of fire or for the convenience of sweeping of
chimneys and in this last case, not without the consent of the
majority of the commissioners, that such persons so offending
shall forfeit the sum of 10s. proclamation money for the
aforesaid.

Apr. 14, 1752.

Whereas, we are informed that sundry dogs have been and
are infected with madness within the bounds of this town to
the great hazzard of the inhabitants, and it is therefore
ordered that every owner of dog or dogs within said town,
shall immediately order such to be chained or confined in a
proper inclosure until the 5th of May next, to prevent any
bad consequence that may ensue by running at large, under

Si'in \ i Historic \i IfONOQRAPB

the penalty of 40s. proclamation money, besides .1 penalty

Lining from the Court of assize, and we hereby L,rivc full
liberty to any person or jhtmhis whatsoever, to kill and destroy

any dog or dogs going at large within said town after the
ISth inst., until may aforesaid.

Issued warrants to the constable for summoning all the
male tazables to work on the streets on Monday 27th inst.

until the 3d of May inclusive.

Whereas, we have issued warrants to the constables to sum-
mon the male taxables of this town to work on the market.
Therefore, on the 27th inst. it is ordered that anv person con-
cerned in the lumber, pitch, tar or turpentine now lying ready
to be landed at said landing-, shall have it cleared away by the
25th inst. It is ordered that one dozen of good substantial
wheelbarrows be purchased for the use of the town out of the
money now in the hands of Moses John DeRosset.

January 1, 1753.
The freeholders met to choose commissioners for the ensuing-
year. It was agreed that Mr. William Robinson should take
the pole, when on closing it, there appeared a majority of
votes for John Lyon, Esq., Moses John DeRosset, Joshua
Toomer, John Maultsby and Sam Green, who thereupon were
declared duly elected and are hereby returned as such. Wil-
liam Robinson and a majority of the inhabitants have agreed
to a tax, Is. proclamation money, to be levied on the male
taxables for pa}Ting a person for sweeping and taking care of
the Court House and the remainder towards purchasing a
water engine. Signed: Sam Green, Joshua Toomer, Moses
John DeRosset.

At a meeting of the commissioners December f>, 1753, at
which time a warrant was issued to Ja. Arlow, Constable, to
summons all the male taxables in Wilmington to be and
appear under the Court House on Tuesday the 18th inst. at
6 o'clock in the morning with proper tools to work on the
streets three successive days.

Jan. 1, 1754.
The freeholders met to choose commissioners for the
ensuing year, and agreed that Mr. William Robinson should

take the pole, when on closing it there appeared a majority of
rotes for Cornelius Harnett. Esq., John Du Bois, John Lyon,
K q., Mr. John Merritt and Mr. Moses John De Rossett.

68 The University Record

May 1, 1754.
Frederick Gregg- made application to the commissioners to
settle ground of a house belonging to Ja. Murray Esq., part
of which being upon the said Gregg's land, viz: 3 feet four
inches at the east end, and three feet 10 inches west end.
Ordered: That the said Ja. Murray do pay to the said F. R.
Gregg a yearly ground rent 7s. 6d. proclamation money.
Ordered: That all the male taxables be summoned to work
on the streets from Monday the 17th of next month to Thurs-
day 20th inclusive.

At a meeting of the commissioners the 21st of November
1754. Whereas, several chimneys in the town have lately
taken fire from the want of being kept clean to the great haz-
zard of the inhabitants. Ordered: That from and after the
23rd of this inst., every person inhabiting a house in said
town, shall cause the chimney to be swept clean from top to
bottom once every 14 days, and for failure thereof any person
whose chimney should take fire after the day above men-
tioned, shall forfeit and pay the sum of 20s. proclamation
money. Ordered: That any person who should hereafter
have occasion for one of the town ladders to sweep their chim-
neys, shall first acquaint one of the commissioners therewith,
and shall return the same to the Court House in three hours
after giving such notice to said commissioner under a penalty
of 5s. proclamation money for every such offense, and that no
person shall presume to take any or either of the said town's
ladders for any other purpose whatsoever under the penalty
aforesaid.

Jan. 28, 1755.
It was unanimously agreed to lay a tax on all houses pur-
suant to a law passed the 19th of February 1754 to purchase a
water engine or engines, buckets, etc., when the commis-
sioners proceeded to value every house in the said town and
laid a tax on the owners according to the following valuation
after the rate of 1 per cent, and ordered that an advertisement
be set up requiring the several persons therein taxed to pay
the same to Mr. Arthur Mabson within two months from this
date:

John Maultsby's houses valued at 150 pounds.

Thomas Nose 50 "
Joseph Mott 15 "

Gabriel Wayne 25 "

Jambs Sprunt Historical Monograph

Magnus Cowan

50 pounds.

Frederick ( «regg

225

John McKenne

285

David Lrindsej

1(10

Hugh M urr. iv

John Rutherford

225

John Murray

250

Dr. Samuel Green

275

Arthur Mabson

512

Ann Wright

225

William Faris

150

Alice Marsden

337

J a. Arlow

150

George Moon

200

John DuBois

375

William Veal

Thomas Finny

175

Thomas Cunningham

John Cook

John Walker

Annabella McVicar

John Smith

John Lyon

200

Ann Cowan

Caleb Mason

150

Joshua Granger

210

Charles Harrison

Richard Hellier

John Walker Tayt

Hu^-h Purdie

125

Benjamin Wheatley

75 »

Alexander Mackey

Alexander McKeithein

100

David David

Thomas James

100

Joshua Toomer

Mary Powington

37 " 10s

Lewis De Rossett

150

Ann Player

37 kk 10s

Rose rvon^-

John Campbell

David Brown

100

William Dry

150

Armand De Rossett

The University Record

Thomas Newton

25 pounds.

Margaret White

100

i i

Daniel Dunbibin

100

John Simpson

150

i 4

Cornelius Harnet

225

Moses John De Rossett

150

k t

Alexander Blythe

Ja. Campbell

187

Ann Walker

Ja. Murray

May

17, 1755.

Sir:

We have sent by Cornelius Harnet, Esq., to you 60 pounds
proclamation money, which after paying- you at the rate of 20
per cent, advance is equal to 37 pounds 10s. sterling- money,
which you will please lay out in the best manner for one
water eng-ine for the use of the town of Wilming-ton, the
quality of which, we entirely leave to yourself and for your
best information as well as your best care and speediest
method of bringing- it or sending- for it.

We wTish you a prosperous voyage, and are.

Your most obedient humble servants,
Signed: Fred Gregg,

John Walker,
John Maulsby, Jr.
To Capt. Benjamin Heron.

t a meeting of the commissioners the

30th

December

A list of taxable for the year

1755:

Alexander Mackey

2 taxables.

John Rutherford

Cornelius Harnett

Ann Cowan

Marmaduke Jones

Joseph Mott

Robert Burleigh

• 2

David Brown

Walter Simpson

Hugh Murray

(

Louis De Rossett

J a. Gregoty

Dr. Cosmos Farquharson

Alexander Blythe

I\mks Sprunt Historical Monograph

Frederick Gregg

3 taxables

Alexander McCallister

John Maultsbv

J ml i t H Davis

Zachariah Weeks

David David

John Roe

John Du Bois

Richard Player

Sam Green

Thomas Newton

John Eide

Anthony Ward

William McKenzie

Caleb Mason

Magnus Cowan

Thomas Cunning-ham

John Lyon

Malcolm Smith

Joseph Geary

Alice Marsden

Anthony Du Bois

Isaac Faris

Joseph Toomer

Ja. Campbell

Benjamin Morrison

William Thompson

William Wilkins

Total 106

106 taxables at Is. 6d. is 7 pounds 19s.

John Du Bois, Cornelius Harnet and David Brown having1
produced certificates, for work on the Point Road to Mt.
Misery, as makes up their deficiencies, the same were allowed
and approved of.

Received of Ja. Arlow 10s. by his own information that his
chimney was on fire.

Ordered: That a warrant be issued against Benjamin
Morrison and Ja. Gregory for their chimne3*s taking- fire.

The town receipts for the year 1755, 93 pounds, 9s. 4d.
Balance in the hands of John Maultsby and Arthur Mabson,
22 pounds, 17s. and f>d.

72 The University Record

Jan. 24, 1756.
Inhabitants being summoned at a meeting- at the Court
House unanimously agreed to a tax of Is. and 6d. proclama-
tion money to be levied on all the male taxables to pay a per-
son for sweeping and taking care of the market house, and
the remainder to be applied to insuring the engine from
England.

Capt. Benjamin Heron. Wilmington, Feb. 11, 1756.

Sir- — We must beg the favor of you to write to your brother
for insurance of the town engine and that he will forward it
by the first opportunity, for this place. Whatever the charge
may be, }^ou shall be reimbursed with a reasonable advance,
and the same acknowledged as a favor done the public.
We are Sir, Your humble servants,

Daniel Dunbibin.
Frederick Gregg.
Arthur Mabson.
P. S. If any opportunity besides offering, must beg you to
write to get the insurance done on the engine sent out.

March 26, 1756.
Ordered: That the inhabitants of the town will meet the
commissioners at the market house on Wednesday, 31st inst.
to consult on such matters as may be necessary for the good
of the town. Notice to be given by ringing the town bell.

Signed: Frederick Gregg.

Daniel Dunbibin.
Cornelius Harnet.
Thomas Finney.

Whereas many accidents have lately happened by fire in
the night, wherefore, we, the commissioners for the town, do
hereby order and appoint that the following persons be sum-
moned to watch this night in the said town to prevent further
damage, and to secure what may be saved out of the ruins of
the late fire under the directions of Mr. Thomas Finney,
Commissioner, to be at the market house at 9 o'clock this
evening under the penalty of 40s. each agreeable to law.
Friday, May 7, 1756. Caleb Mason.

William Maultsby.

Joseph Mott.

Ja. Routlege.

Robert Wiltbank.

Nathaniel Sawier.

JAMM SlMMM llM-nKI, U, MoNOGKAIMI 78

N.»v. 15, 1756.
Ordered: That .ill the inhabitants thai have not worked
tliis presenl year Ofl the Point Road to meet at the market

house with axes, hoes, spades, etc., to work from Mondav
next to Saturday night on the public streets and wharves of
said town.

Wilmington,
Freight bill to Capt. Benjamin Heron for

a large tire engine, casing, &c. 57 pounds, 2s. Ster.
Freight from London to 2 ki Is.

to South Carolina 2 " 15s.

from Charlestown l ik 15s.

Insurance at 20 per cent. 12 " 7s. f>d.

20 per cent, advance on 76 pounds 15 44 4s.

33^3 per cent, exchange 30 " 8s.

Reduced to proclamation 131 " 14s.

Daniel Dunbibin, Treasurer of the town in 1757 receives his
54 pounds. 10s.

May 24, 1758.
It was unanimously agreed to lay a tax on all houses pur-
suant to a law past the 13th of September, 1756 to purchasing
fire hooks and paying the balance on engine due from the
town, when the commissioners proceeded to value every house
in the said town, and hold a tax on the owners according to

the following valuation after the rate of 1 per cent. .

John Maultsby's houses valued at 40 pounds.
Thomas Nose 40 "

Gabriel Wayne 20

*Mason's Lodge 140

Magnus Cowan 50

Frederick Gregg 225

John McKenzie 300

David Lindsey 100

John Rutherford 200

John Murrav 240

Samuel Green 250 4t

Arthur Mabson 400

Ann Wright 150

* Whether this means that Caleb Mason had premises known as Mason's
Lodge, or whether th<> Masonic Order had a lodge is uncertain. It is com-
monly said that the Masonic Lodge was organized at Finian, the home of
William Hooper, at Masonboro, prior to the Revolution. Perhaps there
was an earlier one at Wilmington.

The University Record

Alice Marsden

500 pounds

James Arlow

George Moore

150

John Du Bois

450

William Veal

John Kennedy

John Nesfield

William Bartram

25 "

William Robinson

25 M

Jeremiah Keenan

Ja. Cunningham

200

John Walker

James Henderson

Marmaduke Jones

50 "

Annabella McVicar

John Lyon

225

Ann Cowan

Caleb Mason

160

Charles Harrison

50 "

J a. Campbell

200 "

Hugh Purdie

100

Benjamin Wheatley

100

Alexander McCoy

John Garem

Alexander McKeithen

75 "

Thomas James

125

Mary Gall at

Lewis De Rossett

125

Ann Player

Rose Ross

John Campbell

David Brown

150

Armand De Rossett

Thomas- Newton

150

Mary White

100

Daniel Dunbibin

100

John Simpson

100

Cornelius Harnet

200

Moses John De Rossett

150

Clayson Blythe

Ja. Campbell

150

Jacob Miller

Anthony Ward

200

Ja. Gregory

150

Jambs BPKUWT Historical Monograph 7ft

Walter Simpson 5 pounds

JohnCorbvn 100

Ralph Taylor 150

William Barnes 75

July 26, 1759.
Entered into an agreement with Mr. Alexander Duncan to
keep the fifC engine and hose in order and oyld, and to play it

once a month, ior which care, two of his family is exempt
From working on the streets.

On the 15th day of January 1760 the Governor, Arthur
Dobbs. issued his letters patent in the name of George Second by
the grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland, King-,
Defender of the faith, etc., and constituting- and erecting- the
towTn of Wilmington into a boroug"h by the name of Wilming-
ton, consisting of a Mayor, one person learned in law for
bearing the office of Recorder*, and eleven Aldermen including
the Mayor; with power for the freeholders of said Boroug-h on
the first Monday in January of every year, to elect and choose
one of the Aldermen to be Mayor and with the ordinary
powers of a Borough, when John Sampson was appointed the
Mayor, Marmaduke Jones, Recorder, William Dry, Cornelius
Harnet, John Lyon, Frederick Greg-g-, Caleb Grang-er, Daniel
Dunbibin, Authur Mabson and Moses John De Rossett,
Aldermen, who held their court on the 4th day of March,
1760, and ordered klthat if any person would undertake to be a
public chimney sweep for the town of Wilming-ton, that they
would give in their proposals at the next Court and likewise,
if any chimney caught afire before the said time, that the
dweller in said house should pay 40s. proclamation. n

Note — Several times each year all the taxables, with the able
bodied men, black and white, of the town, were called out to
work from 3 to 6 days at a time on the streets and wharfs
and on the road from Pt. Peter to Mt. Misery.

There was usually a long list of defaulters. In the July
working 1760, the list is unusually short: we copy it: Marma-
duke Jones, John Jones, James Blythe, Alex. Ross, Jeremiah
Keenan. William Purviance, William Brown, Robt. Walker.

* Marmaduke Jones is said to have come to Wilmington from Jamaica;
was the attorney-general of the province in the stamp act troubles and
held that that law should be enforced.

76 The University Record

Robert Shaw, Malatiah Hamilton, Thos, Bevers, Henry Erly,
Thos. Davis, Joshua Toomer, Wm. McDowell, John Quinie,
Obediah Holt, *Thomas Godfrey, Charles Appleby, Isaac Ray.

Note-Thos. Godfrey was a son of the mathematician Godfrey,
of Philadelphia, with whom Dr. Franklin boarded. Of him
Dr. Franklin said: "Among the first members of our junta
was Thomas Godfrey, a self taught mathematician, great in
his way, and afterwards inventor of what is now called Had-
ley's quadrant." The son was born in Philadelphia in 1736.
When 22 years of age he became a Lieutenant in the provin-
cial troops raised for an expedition against Ft. Duquesne.
When the troops were disbanded he came to Wilmington and
established himself in business there, but unhappily died on
August 3, 1763 in the 27th year of his age in consequence of
violent exercise on a very warm day.

He was gifted as a poet. His principal poem was "The
Court of Fane}'." He was the author of the first American
Drama "The Prince of Parthia." His poems were published
in 1765 at Philadelphia.

Jan. 3, 1763.
The Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen together with the Free-
holders, met at the Court House in Wilmington to vote and
choose an Alderman in the room of Joshua Toomer, deceased,
when Mr. William Campbell was chosen Alderman for the
said Borough and qualified agreeable to the charter, and at
the same time, Alderman Frederick Gregg was chose by a
majority of votes to be Mayor and qualified for the same
agreeable to the charter.

Tuesday, Jan. 3, 1764.
The freeholders met at the Court House in Wilmington to
choose Commissioners for the said town for the ensuing year,
whereas there appearest that Alexander Duncan, Esq., George

* , William Campbell, Henry Toomer and Caleb Mason

were chosen and thereupon declared duly elected and are here-
by returned as such.

On Monday the 7th of January in the year of our Lord,

♦Probably George Moore.

James Simm m Rl8TORI< ai ftfONOORAFB 77

1765, the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and freeholders of the
Borough of Wilmington met ai the Court House therein in
order to elecl and choose a Mayor for the present rear and
Alderinan Frederick Gregg was chosen and accordingly de-
clared duly elected.

Note— It appears in this record ot the proceedings, that be-
ginning with January 1764, the charter creating Wilmington a
Borough was ignored and commissioners were elected by the
people <>1 the town instead of a Mayor and Aldermen, but that
in the following year, 17(o, the liorough Charter was enforced
when Frederick Gregg was elected Mayor.

On Monday 29th day of January 1765, the Mayor, Alder-
men and Freeholders of Wilmington convened in common
council at the Court House therein. Present: The Worship-
ful Frederick Gregg, Esq., Mayor, Cornelius Harnet, John
Lyon, John Du Bois, Samuel Green, Moses John De Rosset,
William Campbell, Esq., as Aldermen together with the free-
holders, viz: John Corbin, Alexander Duncan, Archibald
McClaine, John Burgwin, Anthony Ward, William Wilkinson,
J a. Morgan, Malatia Hamilton, Mortimor, Alex. Ross, Wil-
liam McKenzie, Benjamin Stone, Caleb Mason, Thomas Cun-
ningham, David Brown, Magnus Cowan, Robert Wells,
Robert McCrackin, Richard Player and Stephen Player: When
the Goat Law was read with the amendments and passed and
ordered to be ingrossed. Resolved: That the following rule
be observed by the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Freehold-
ers in all debates: "That the party speaking, should not
leave the subject in debate to fall upon the person of any
member of the common Council or other person; and whereas
great abuses are daily committed by mixing milk with water
and other such mixtures and afterwards exposing such milk
for sale in the said Borough, be it therefoie ordained, etc."
A negro law read and passed with amendments. It is re-
olved and ordered that Cornelius Harnet, John Du Bois and
John Burgwin, Esq. and Mr. Archibald McClaine, revise, cor-
rect and alter the diction of the said negro law wheu neces-
sary and that the same be engrossed.

At a meeting of the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen at the
house of Mr. Hamilton on Saturday the 26th of October, 1765.
Present: The Worshipful Frederick Gregg, Esq., Mayor
Marmaduke Jones, Esq., Recorder, etc. Ordered: That the

78 The University Record

Town Clerk give notice to the freeholders to meet at the
Court House on Wednesday next, the 30th of October to elect
an Alderman in the room of Caleb Granger, deceased.

Wednesday, October 30, 1768.
The Mayor, Aldermen and Recorder together with the
Freeholders of the Borough of Wilmington met at the Court
House therein agreeable to the order and notice given to the
same in order to appoint, elect and choose an Alderman duly
qualified in the room of Alderman Caleb Grander, deceased:
when John Burgwin, Anthony Ward and Caleb Mason, were
candidates for Alderman, at the closing of the pole the num-
ber of votes for each candidate stood thus: For John Bur-
gwin 1 vote; for Anthony Ward 5 votes, and for Caleb Mason
15 votes, and Caleb Mason was declared duly elected.

On Monday the 6th day of January in the year of our Lord
1766, the Mayor, Aldermen and Freeholders of the Borough
of Wilmington met at the Court House therein in order to
elect and choose a Mayor for the present year and Alderman
Caleb Mason was declared duly elected Mayor for this present
year.

On Tuesday the 14th day of January 1766, at a meeting of
the Aldermen of the Borough of Wilmington, when Caleb
Mason, Esq., who having been chosen Mayor for the ensuing
year and refusing to qualify for the same; begged leave to re-
sign the said office, and resigned accordingly. The conse-
quence of which resignation, the Alderman ordered that the
Town Clerk give public notice to Recorder, the Alderman and
the Freeholders of this Borough, that on Monday, the 20th
day of this instant, January, to meet at the Court House
therein, in order to elect a Mayor for the same in the room of
Caleb Mason, Esq., resigned.

On Monday, the 20th day of this instant, January, agree-
able to the order of the board of Aldermen, the Alderman and
Freeholders of the Borough of Wilmington met at the Court
House therein, in order to elect and choose a Mayor for this
present year instead of Alderman Caleb Mason, Esq., resigned.
Present: John Sampson, John Lyon, Frederick Gregg, Cor-
nelius Harnett, Arthur Mabson, * William Campbell, Moses
John De Rossett, Board of Aldermen: and John Burgwin,
Thomas Cunningham, Samuel Marshall, Richard Player,
Robert Wells, Stephen Player, Jeremiah Keenan, Robert Mc-
Crackin, Alexander Ross, Henry Toomer and William Wilkin-

James Sprunt BltTORft w, Monograph 79

s«>n. At which time, Alderman Moses John De Rossetl was
(hose Mayor by a majority «>i votes and sras publicly declared
SS such, after which he took the State oaths and the oath of
office, agreeable to the charter of said Borough.

Note As this was after the seizure of the merchant vessels
under the Stamp Act, the refusal of Mason to qualify as May-
or, and the election Of De Rossett as Mayor, and the patriotic
action of the Mayor and Aldermen in that matter seems to
show thai there was a particular purpose in substitute
Rosset for Mason as Mayor at this juncture.

Tuesday, Feb. 11, 1766.

Pursuant to the command of His Majesty's Writ of Election
to the Mayor, Recorder and Aldermen of this Borougn, to
choose and elect a Representative of the same to sit and vote
in the General Assembly of this province, I proceeded to take
the pole, when Cornelius Harnet, Esq., was unanimously
chosen to represent this Borough.

Signed: Moses John De Rossett, Mayor.

Monday, June 23, 1766.
Pursuant to an order of the Worshipful Mayor at the Court
House at the Borough of Wilmington at 9 o'clock in the fore-
noon, the pole opened with the election of Recorder in the
room of Marmaduke Jones, Esq., resigned, when William
Hooper, Esq., was unanimously chosen Recorder of this Bor-
ough and took the State oaths together with the oath of office
and signed the test.

(Note — Dr. E. A. Alderman in his fine sketch of William
Hooper says he came to the Cape Fear in the fall of 1767. He
seems to have come more than a year earlier.)

Tuesday, Jan. 16, 1768.
The Freeholders of the town of Wilmington met at the
Court House to choose commissioners for the present year and
Mr. Alexander Scott and Mr. John Walker was agreed to take
the pole and on closing it, the following persons appeared to
be chosen unanimously: Mr. Harnet, Mr. [/yon, Mr. William
Campbell, Mr. Ward and Mr. Toomer.

(Note — The Re cords between June 1766 and January 1768,
does not appear in this volume, and in January 1768 the town

80 The University Record

seems to have gone back to commissioners and the Borough
Charter was disregarded.)

Tuesday, January 3, 1770.
The Freeholders for the town of Wilmington met at the
Court House to choose commissioners for the present year and
Mr. Anthony Ward was agreed to take the pole and on clos-
ing it, the following persons appeared to have the greatest
number of votes, viz: Cornelius Harnet, Frederick Gregg,
Arthur Quince, William Wilkinson and John Robinson, and
they were thereupon declared duly -elected.

Tuesday, Jan. 5, 1773.

Ordered: That the Constables be summoned to show cause

before the Commissioners on Monday next why they shall not

be fined for not walking the streets and taking up the negroes

on the streets according to the ordinances in such cases made.

At the meeting of the commissioners on the first Monday in
February, being the 7th day of February 1774, ordered: That
the Town Clerk advertise in the Cape Fear Mercury for the
proper person to undertake the office of Scavenger of the town,
and also that the inhabitants have notice to assemble on Wed-
nesday at Mr. Dekeyser's to consider of the Address drawn up
and already signed by the County to their representatives and
to concur therein: Signed: A. M. McClaine, J. Burgwin,
John Ancrum, Richard Player.

At a meeting of the Commissioners at the town of Wilming-
ton on Tuesday, 14th day of June, 1774. Present: John
Burgwin, John Ancrum, Archibald McClane and Richard
Player, Commissioners. Ordered: that a Ducking Stool be
provided for the use of the town and that the same be paid
for out of the town tax.

Note — The record seems not to have been kept in this book
between Monday, January 2nd, 1775 and January 177s.

Tuesday, January 6, .1778.
The Freeholders of the town of Wilmington met and choose
John DuBois, Phillip Bradley, John Corkwood, Andrew Ron-
aldson and Henry Toomer Commissioners.

1 This reference is doubtless to some patriotic resolutions
signed already by the County, in which it was taken for

JAMKS SIMM M HlSIOKK Al, MoNooKAI'II HI

granted thai the inhabitants of Wilmington would concur,

and the Hoard gave them notice to assemble and "concur
therein." These particular resolutions have not come down
to us. it is to Ik- regretted thai the Town Book is so devoid
of reference t<> the great matters of public interesl thai
occurred during "the Stamp Act troubles and in the early
a of the Revolution; but this is the only mention of any

matter outside of the regular course of city administration.

LETTERS OF A LOYALIST.

As giving- a glimpse of life in the New Settlement on the
Cape Fear we make some extracts from "The Letters of a
Loyalist," being- the letters of James Murray, who, a young-
man in London, because of the recent appointment of John-
ston as Governor of North Carolina, was led in 1735 to seek
his fortunes on the Cape Fear. He broug-ht over with him a
varied assortment of merchandise, supposed to be suited to the
country. This he opened in Charleston, an 1 exposed for sale
at Brunswick, but he found no demand lor "wigs."

The next year he located at Newton, where shortly after-
wards other members of his family joined him; and his sister
Barbara soon married Thomas Clark, and became the mother
of Col. Thomas Clark, of the Revolution, and of Anne Clark,
who became the wife of William Hooper. James Murray
made several trips to London, and was often absent from the
Province. He was one of the Governor's Council and a man
of great influence.

James Murray to William hit I i son.

Brunswick 14 Feby. 173<>.
We sail'd from Charles town the last day of Deer & came
over the bar of Cape Fear the 2d of Jan'ry & camped ashore
all night by a good fire in the woods. Next day we g-ot up to
this town. I intended to have g^one up to New town, alias
New Liverpool, but was told there was no house to be had
except I built one: so was oblig'd to bring- all ashore here,
where I have got a good convenient house on rent, which I

82 The University Record

shall keep until I can purchase a few slaves and a plantation
in the country where I can have all kinds of provisions of my
own raising-. Here I am oblig-ed to pay no less than 17 to 20 s.
p. Bushel this money for corn, and 10, 12 & 14d p. lb for meat.
I am told this place is every bit as healthy as New town.
There is a great emulation between the two towns.

* * But if you send him a fresh supply it must be in
something- else than wigs for I have not been able to sell one
of them, thoug-h I open'd them both in Charles town and here.

James Murray to David Talligluph.

Brunswick 31 March 1736.
Dear Sir

Since my last of ye 21 ulto. have been up ye northeast
branch of this river about 180 miles from the mouth of it.
We found a little difficulty in g-etting- up and down, with our
canoes, which were deep loaded, by reason of logs lying-
across: but ye river was clear, we had 6 foot water as far as
we went and an easy current.

Newtown Jan 10 1737.
I can write you nothing entertaining- from this, but from
the number of Irish and Swiss that are soon expected here,
some of us imagine the prosperity- of the country and happi-
ness of its inhabitants in g-eneral to be at hand. (After a
nine months residence at Brunswick) I boug-ht a house and
lot in this town where I now live and immediately after pur-
chased a plantation within fifteen miles of about 500 acres-
The one cost me ,£1000, the other ,£500 this currency.

Brunswick May 3, 1736.
I was up at Brampton last week, .where I saw ye Gov. &
Capt. Woodard in g-ood health. Ye last has had a g-entle fit
of ye g-out since he came from ye North East, but that expe-
dition was of service to his Excellency's health, & Capt.
Innes, & I grew fat on it.

(Note. Gov. Johnston, at first it seems proposed to have a
palace at Brompton on the north west Branch of the Cape
Fear. He seems also to have purchased the premises of
Robt. Hilton near Wilming-ton. )

JAMM Si-kini I hsn »i;k \i Monookaph H'.'>

Newton Jan 10 1737.
Your Swiss families are vety well, ftc. We are wrv upish
upon Cap1 Woodard, Mr Johnston, Cap1 Rowan and Capf
limes', each of them, purchasing a pood lo1 in this town
which thrives apace.

*(Note. Capt. James [nnes, after distinguished service
with North Carolina troops, was appointed byGov. Dinwiddie
of Virginia to the chief command of .ill the tones to oppose

the French and Indians in 1754. ('apt. Rowan, afterwards
President of the Council, and acting- Governor; Governor

Johnston.

For all my complaints a man with a moderate fortune

and tolerable management, may live very happily and plenti-
fully here. I cannot say he has it in his power to make- a
g-reat fortune at once."

Being in London, Dec. 20, 1738, James Murray wrote to
John Parker, one of the incorporators of Newton:

"I have observed in you a justness of thought and gener-
osity of temper that I would endeavor to imitate wherever I
found it," &c.

(Note. John Parker was a son-in-law of Col. Maurice
Moore, and his daug-hter, Mary Parker, became the wife of
Gov. Sam Ashe. The Moores were particularly interested in
Brunswick, and, when Murray espoused the cause of Newton,
animosity resulted which doubtless led to the tribute to Parker.
M urray returned to North Carolina early the next summer bring--
ing with him John Rutherford, who afterwards played a lead-
ing part in North Carolina matters.)

Cape Fear Sept 4 1739.
We are in hopes this war will drive some of ye southern
settlements to us. T'is a bad wind that blows nobody good.

Note. That Spanish war was an episode in the life of the
colony. North Carolina raised four companies for General
Og-lethorpe's expedition ag-ainst St. Augustine. That expe-
dition having failed, these companies. Captain James Innes
were sent to Jamaica.)

84 The University Record

'Nov 26. They have just put to sea with letter of marque,
and to make the best of their way to Jamaica, where they
expect to meet the English forces as well as those of
America."

Wilmington, Cape Fear, 5th September 1741.
Since I begun this letter 5 days have elapsed in which time
I have taken my passage and Cousin John's on board the
Leathly, Peter Harrison Com'r for London. And that we may
have some money to spend among- the Spaniards in case we
should be nabbed b}T them. I have by this opportunity
ordered ,£500 Ster. insurance against capture: ie: 300^ for
self and 200^ for Cousin John.

Wilming-ton 11 May 1741.

In my house there is a larg-e room 22 x 16 feet the most airy
of any in the country, two tolerable lodging- rooms & a closet
upstairs & garrets above. A cellar below divided into a
kitchen with an oven and a store for liquors, provisions &c.
this makes one half of any house. The other, placed on the
east end, is the store cellar below, the store and counting
house on the first floor & above it is partitioned off into four
rooms, but this end is side plaistered, but only done with
rough boards.

Cape Fear Feb 26, 1755.

I have about 100 thous'd bricks burnt & am to begin my
house, if the bricklayer keeps his word, early next month.

To Mr. Sampson Simpson, Merchant in New York.

Cape Fear Sept 4, 1756.

If you can meet Avith a sober, diligent man, with or
without a family, skilled in tanning and currying, I desire the
favor of you to engage him for me for three years, &c.

* * I am also in need of a good sawyer to tend a saw
mill, which, when well tended and in a common year, will cut
about 100 thousnd feet &c. To such a one I would be willing
to give a tenth part of the lumber sawn. If Mr Franklin
would send me his Gazette postage free, it should be punc-
tually paid for & it would also oblige our President who is my
next neighbor. (President Rowan).

July 19, 1756.
I find also by a trial that my overseer, a Swiss, has made,
both this year and last, that silk may be made here to just

James Sprunt HlSTOBIi ll Monograph 86

advantage. The worms thrive uncommonly, red witli the
leaves of the wild mulberry. Whether they will be equally
health? upon the Italian. I shall know, as i Intend to plant
out 2<mmi trees next year.

Note by K. 1'. I». The following- information about some
of the founders of Wilmington may be interesting:

Wimble was a mariner. He made a map of the Province.

Michael in 1751 grave the lot on the corner of Market and
Fourth Streets tor a church, but as it was not sufficient for
both edifice and burying ground, the General Assembly
authorized the use of thirty feet of Market Street for the
front of the building. It occupied that part of the street
until 1839.

During the French and Indian War troops were raised in
North Carolina that served in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and on
the lakes in New York, as well as in South Carolina, and the
western part of North Carolina. Among the officers of these
troops were Col. Caleb Grainger, mayor of the town in 1765,
Col. James Innes, Col. Hugh Waddell, Captain Thomas
McManus, Captain James Moore and Lieutenant Moses John
DeRosset, afterwards Mayor.

THE LOCATION OF SMITHVILLE.

BY JOSHUA POTTS.

Matters, even of consequence, have sometimes originated
more by chance than design. A number of instances might
be cited. It was the case relative to Smithville though a place
not yet of great importance. The first movement happened
as follows:

About the year 1786 Joshua Potts, the writer hereof, then
living in Wilmington, was taken sick and by medical attend-
ance had got better but, notwithstanding, still continued very
weak and a loss of appetite, etc. So it happened that his old
friend, Capt. John Brown, who had been master of a packet
that plied between Wilmington and Charleston, meeting me
one day, asked me take a sail with him in an open boat down
the river, saying that the salt air might recruit me, etc.

Accordingly, debilitated as I was, I proceeded with him
down the river Clarendon, or Cape Fear, in an open boat, be-
ing at the time only able to sit up. Capt. Brown had put on
board some eatable refreshments, but I had no thought of
partaking any. We had not proceeded further down than op-
posite the New Inlet when Capt B. asked ine to eat something.
I listened to what he said, and discovered an inclination to
partake of such cold collation as he had set forth. My appe-
tite returned and in a day or two I felt myself braced up by
the effects of the salubrious breeze from the sea, although I
was exposed in camping out, etc., for at that time there were
only two or three pilots' houses on the bank. I returned to
Wilmington in a few days perfectly recovered.

I was at that time single, but in a year or two more became
a married man and in a summer season determined that my
family should retire from Wilmington to Fort Johnston and
there experience the cool and healthy sea breezes. Accord-
ingly I carried my then small family down to the Fort, and

James Sprunt HISTORICAL Monograph 87

rented the loft of a pilot bouse (Joe Swain's), where we were
all stowed away, breathing health and rough pleasure.

While thus Living .1 fisherman's life, 1 received a letter from
John Huske, Esq., of Wilmington, then in low health, on the
subject of having I town laid off on the level, near Fort Johns-
ton. Mr. Huske wished to reside there for the sake of his
health. This letter was dated Wilmington, October 18th,
1790, and it is herewith enclosed, No. 1.

Mr. Huske would have called the proposed town Nashton
had an act of the Assembly been passed — concerning which
intelligence shall hereafter be given.

Mr. Huske was the first mover of a town near the Fort, and
I myself was to become the operator. I stepped off the ground
from the old Fort southward to the first small creek. The
distance was shorter than what was wished. I accordingly
wrote Mr. Huske; notwithstanding I was prevailed on to form
a petition to be circulated through Brunswick county, setting
forth the prayer of the inhabitants that an act of the Assem-
bly might be passed for the establishment of such a town.

The said petition accompanies the report, No. 2, J. Potts
having written said petition was applied to for it by Charles
Gause, Esq., a leading inhabitant of Brunswick county, who
undertook the exhibition of it in order to obtain subscribers'
names. This was performed and introduced to the General
Assembly which in that year sat at Fayetteville.

The whole intention was unexpectedly opposed by Gen.
Smith who was then a member of and for Brunswick county.
It was said he supported his negative role on account of two
or three pilots who had built their houses, by public permis-
sion promiscuously on said land — as it was, however, he had
influence sufficient to stop the proceeding in the Assembly,
and thus ended the prospects of a town at that time.

Some people in Wilmington and others in Brunswick coun-
ty, being disappointed in their expectations of a town were
said to have imputed the opposition of Gen. S. to the cause,
not of pilots, but that he had not been previously consulted in
and about the business.

88 The University Record

Now, so it was that the old Fort Johnston as well as the
surrounding lands was the property of the State of North
Carolina, and that power alone the petitioners had relied on
for the grant alluded to.

Capt. John Brown and Joshua Potts determined, however,
not to abandon the place, and fearless of any molestation pro-
ceeded to occupy as a temporary residence for Summer and
Autumn, each a few square feet near the shore, and accord-
ingly proceeded to have each a cabin formed and framed in
Wilmington and procured a sufficiency of boards and shingles
to complete these; employed a pettiaug'er and put on board
the frames and ^ther materials of both houses, engaged car-
penters with their tools and both families of said John and
Joshua, with plenty of provisions, etc., all together went on
board the lighter at Wilmington, arrived at Fort Johnston and
there landed the whole.

In a few days afterwards we had erected each a summer
house, in a temporary manner, near the water, between where
is now Mrs. Wade's and the beach.' The said two houses, or
camps, had not chimneys of an}^ kind, and only rough shutters
to the windows, (no glass) the whole of the saw mill rough-
ness, as a plane had not been used about them. Our two
families were thus coarsely encamped; and instead of a kitch-
en our cooking fires were made among thick bushes near hand,
which screened the inconvenience of the wind, but rain would
sometimes moisten our cooking and depredating hogs would
run off with our Hot cakes in their mouths.

In this way our families enjoyed health, cool breezes and a
coarse way of living several Summers. In the meantime
Capt. B. and myself became expert fishermen.

During these rugged scenes there was no town laid off, and
only a few neighbors, pilots and their families.

The first twelve months had nearly expired after the failure
of the bill at Fayetteville and the General Assembly were
next to sit at Newbern. Who should come in my cabin at the
Fort but the same old Mr. Charles Gause whose business was

James Si'ktm HWTOEIi u. IfONOOBAPB 89

• mr to write .ni»l renew the petition for the establish-
ment of said town. I remember reminding Mr. Gauge thai
anj such attempt must be of no use as nodoubl Gen. Smith
would oppose it as before. Mr. Gause replied in a positive

voice that if I would copy off the petition he would advocate
it as before, and that Gen. S. should not be sent to the Assem-
bly unless he would use his endeavors to have a suitable act
passed for the intended purpose. (The election was then pend-
ing.

Conformably to the request of Gause I then wrote off a new
petition, much after the tenor of the first.

The venerable old man made his word good. Gen. S. was
elected, went to Newbern and assisted to get the act passed
and which is herewith enclosed. See No. 3 — passed at New-
bern, November session, 1792.

The writer hereof remembers hearing Gen. S. say, when he
returned from the Assembly, that on his making a motion
and offering the bill for the act Mr. Macon or some other res-
pectable member made an observation that many applications
had been aeted upon for different towns in the State, but that
few, if any of them, had succeeded; that the said worthy
member said as Gen. S, has applied in behalf of this petty
town, it should be called Smithville, as if by way of derision
to the applicant, should the town, ( like many others | not suc-
ceed.

The next desirable object was to secure my attention and
services in laving off and beginning the necessary operation
to form the town; see a letter from Gen. Smith dated Belvi-
dere, January 2(>th, 1792, No. 4.

By reading over the first act of the Assembly, No. 3, it will
be seen that the town was to consist of one hundred lots, with
streets and squares; that each subscriber should pay forty
Shillings or tour dollars, to the State, for each and every lot
of half an acre he might determine, but no one person might
subscribe to more than six lots, that many might have a
chance.

90 The University Record

The plan of the town was at length sketched off by Gen
Smith and J. Potts, and the lots numbered thereon, from No.
1 to No. 100. Meanwhile all the lots were subscribed for —

The rest of the manuscript, and also the documents referred
to, are lost. Mr. Potts was a leading- citizen of Wilmington.

EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF GENERAL JOSHUA

G. SWIFT.

Gen. Joshua (i. Swift, extracts from whose memoirs we
present in this issue, was tor a number of years the distin-
guished head of the United States Engineer Corps, and gained
much reputation in the army during1 the War of 1812. In
earlv life he had charge of the defences of the lower Cape
Fear River, and while stationed here married the daughter of
Capt. James Walker, a family resident in our annals, and by
whom he had issue Capt. Alexander Swift, also of the Engin-
eer Corps, who was a brilliant and accomplished officer and
who died from disease contracted in Mexico during the war
with that nation, and McRee Swift, now we think a resident
of New Jersey, and others whose names we cannot recall*

There were few men in the service more prominent than
Gen. Swift, and deservedly so, too, from his high character,
his attainments, and the unbending integrity which marked
every action of his life, public and private. It is pleasant to
remember that such a man was so closely connected with
Wilmington and that many of his family connections are still
living in the State and are among our most prominent and
highly esteemed citizens.

His memoirs, or rather his diary, is valuable and exceed-
ingly interesting, and his descriptions of social life on the
lower Cape Kear in the long ago are simply charming. There
is a quiet dignity in his style that is very attractive, and his
statements regarding individuals and events are calmly and
forcibly expressed, and bear upon their face the stamp of
undoubted truthfulness.

The following is the official statement of his military
career: He graduated from the Military Academy at West
Point in 1802; promoted second Lieutenant Corps of Engin-
eers in the same year; first Lieutenant in 1805; Captain in

92 The University Record

1806; Major 1808; Aide-de-camp to Major General Pinckney,
1812; Colonel and Chief Engineer, 1812; Chief Engineer of
the Army, under Major General Wilkinson in the Campaign
of 1813, on the St. Lawrence River; and of the forces for the
defence of the City and Harbor, 1813 and 1814; brevet Briga-
dier General, 1814, "for meritorious services"; Director of
the Military Academy, 1812-'15, and Superintendent, 1816-'l7;
Inspector of the Academy, 1815-'18; Resigned, 1818; Surveyor
of U. S. Revenue for port of New York, 1818-'27; Civil Engin-
eer in the service of the United States for harbor improve-
ments on the Lakes, 1829~'45. Degree of LL.D. conferred by
Kenyon College. Residence, Geneva, N. Y.

In the spring of 1803, Cadet William McRee of Wilmington
returned to West Point with Colonel Williams,* Chief of the
Engineer Corps, who had been stationed at Wilmington and
Charleston.

1804. "At the close of the month of April I received orders
from the War Department to repair to North Carolina and
examine the harbor of Cape Fear, and to report a plan of
defence therefor, and also to direct the execution of a contract
with General Benjamin Smith of Belvidere, to construct a
battery at the site of old Fort Johnston, in Smithville, of a
material called 'tapia'."

"On my route to the South had appointed to visit my former
chief, Colonel Williams, to learn what had been his views of
the works needed in the harbor of the Cape Fear. I found
him at his country seat, Mount Pleasant, near Philadelphia,
on the Schuylkill, in the month of May. The colonel intro-
duced me to the family of Mr. Clement Biddle, formerly
quartermaster-general of Washington's army; the family an
intellectual group living in enviable harmony. And I also
renewed acquaintance with Colonel Cadwallert. Colonel Wil-
liams gave me letters of introduction to Joshua Grainger
Wright, Esq., General Benjamin Smith and Mr. John Lord —
gentlemen of Wilmington, North Carolina. The remem-
brance of the disinterested friendship of Colonel Williams
forms one of the brightest reminiscences of my life."

* Col. Jonathan Williams. Lawyer, juriit, Congressman, author, Super-
intendent West Point, Colonel of Engineers, General of Militia. Died 1815.
i This is probably Cadwallader.

JAMMB SPBUNI HlSTORICA] MONOGJUFB 98

"In prosecuting my journey to North Carolina I li.nl the
pleasure to accompanj General Marshall t<> Raleigh, where
the United States Supreme Courl was to hold session. The
chief justice is sometimes an 'absent man*. As ,m instance,
tne on ilii^ occasion from home in a dark blue Mlk dress
without an overcoat. It gave me pleasure t<> take from my
trunk and lend him a n.-w blue cloth cloak, tli.it mv father
had given me, the stage ride being on a chilly morning. On
our arrival at High Towers Tavern, near the border ol tin-
State, the general made a mint julep, the first of those drams
that I ever saw."

"Proceeding by the right hank of the Cape Fear River to
Negro Head Point ferry, opposite Wilmington, I arrived at
Mrs. Meek's boarding- house in that town on the anniversary
of the battle of Hunker Hill, and on that day reported myself
by letter to my chief, Major Wadsworth at West Point, using
the day and 1775 as the figurative date of my letter by way of
friendly memento. After presenting my letter of introduction
I took packet for Fort Johnston, and there paid my respects
to the commandant of the post, Lieutenant John Fergus, an
uncle of Cadet McRee, and commenced a happy acquaintance
with the surgeon of the post, John Lightfoot Griffin, and with
whom established our quarters at Mrs. Ann McDonald's.
Here I met also General Benjamin Smith, and to the last of
the month had conferences with him as to the best mode of
executing his contract with the war department in the con-
struction of a battery on the site of the old Fort Johnston,
Smith ville.

Early in July I employed Mr. Wilson Davis, one of the most
intelligent of the pilots, and with this aid I sounded the
entrance over the main bar of shifting sand into the harbor of
Cape Fear, and also the entrance at the new inlet, and then
viewed the capacity of the anchorage within, together with the
relative position of the several points of land near the entranc-
es, of which I made a plot, and upon which I based my report
of 26th of July to the Secretary of War. The substance of
this report was that the main objects to be secured were those
that had been set forth by mv late chief, Colonel Williams,
to wii: to cover an anchorage in the harbor and to command
its entrance by a small enclosed work on Oak Island, and an
enclosed battery at Federal Point, at the new inlet, and also
t<> complete the battery oi tapia at the site of old Fort John-
ston, the last being contracted for by General B. Smith.

94 The University Record

Pending- the decision of the war department upon this report,
much of the summer was a leisure among- agreeable families
from Wilmington, that passed the warm season in slig-ht
frame houses at 'The Fort', as the village of Smithville is
called. Among these was the family of Captain James
Walker, to whose daug-hter Louisa and her cousin Eliza
Younger, I was introduced at a dinner given to Dr. Griffin
and myself by Captain Walker. There were the families of
Mr. John Lord, and of the founder of the place, Mr. John
Potts, and of General Benjamin Smith, who was to construct
the public work under a contract, and of Captain Callender,
the surveyor of the port, who Had been an officer of the army
in the war of the Revolution, etc. General Smith became the
g-overnor of the State. He owned a larg-e extent of property
on Cape Fear River, and was of the family of Landgrave
Thomas Smith, the colonial governor of South Carolina in
the preceding century. He had become security for the col-
lector of the port of Wilmington, who was a defaulter to the
government, and it was to discharge this liability that Gen-
eral Smith had contracted to build the 'tapia' work at 'The
Fort'. His lady, Mrs. Sarah Dry Smith, was highly accom-
plished, and was an hospitable friend to Dr. Griffin and
myself, and one of the finest characters in the country. She
was the daughter and heiress of Colonel William Dry, the
former collector in the colonial time, and .was also of the
king's council. This lady was also a direct descendant from
Cromwell's admiral Robert Blake. There was also residing
at 'The Fort' the family of Benjamin Blaney. A native he
was of Roxbury, near Boston. He had migrated to Carolina
as a carpenter, and had by industry acquired a competence to
enable him to dispense aid to the sick and needy and other
charities, in the performance of which he was an example of
usefulness and charity, and unostentation. Most of the fam-
ilies at the fort were Federalists, and though all deplored the
event, they were the more sensibly impressed with the news
of the death of Alexander Hamilton, who in this month ot
July had been slain in a duel with Colonel Burr, the account
of which had been written to me by Colonel Williams. The
whole Union was in a measure moved to grief by this sad
event. Colonel Hamilton occupied a large space in the public
mind. He had been the able leader of Federalism — a class of
men who may in truth be said to have been actuated by far
higher motives than those of mere party."

"In my excursions on the waters of Cape Fear I was aided

James Sprunt EtlBVOfclOAL Monograph M

by Captain Walker, Dr, Griffin and Mr. Blaney, who as
sportsmen were familiar with the numerous shoals and chan-
nels .md anchorages thereof, so that the returns were not
only in game, but also in giving me knowledge of the capacity
Of this harbor, situate as it is on one of the most shallow and
troublesome coasts to navigators. The anchorage, covered
from the ocean by Bald Head, or Smith's Island, extending
from the main bar to the new inlet, and upon which island
there is .1 growth of live oak and palmetto, and abounding
with tallow deer.

"Intimacy with Mr. Walker furnished me with many items
of the war in Carolina, with which he was familiar, although
not partaking of the battles, for he had been a moderate
Tory, adverse to taking arms against the mother country, in
which his friend and brother-in-law, Louis DeRosset, had
influenced him. Mr. DeRosset was of the king's council.
Mr. Walker had been the executor of General James Moor*
the planner and director (sic) of the American force at the
battle of Moor's Creek, fought by Lillington and Slingsby.
From the papers of that officer he had gathered many an
anecdote of the march of Cornwallis. Mr. Walker had been
in the regulating war of 1770, and then commanded a com-
pany in the battle of Allamance, in the western part of the
state. He was cured of much of his Toryism by the tyrrani-
cal conduct of Major J. H. Craig, the British commandant at
Wilmington, afterwards governor-general of Canada. The
conduct of this man had been oppressive and needlessly cruel
to the people of Wilmington, and Captain Walker had been
able to influence some relief to those who were in arrest, etc.
He with his brother-in-law, John DuBois, had been appointed
commissioners to arrange the cartel of prisoners, and to nego-
tiate for the families who were to leave Wilmington therein
when Cornwallis marched to Virginia, thus showing the con-
fidence that both Whig and Tory had reposed in those gentle-
men. Mr. Walker's family were of the settlers called
'Retainers', coming from Ireland under the auspices of Colonel
Sampson, and of bis father, Robert Walker. Among the
families of these 'Retainers' were those of the Holmes, Owens,
and Kenans, etc, now become independent planters and dis-
tinguished citizens. The father of Captain Walker, the

* It is disputed whether General Moore planned this battle. The Gen-
eral Assembly, by resolution, thanked General Caswell. The friends of
General Lillington claim the honor for him.

96 The University Record

above Robert, was of the same family with that of the Protes-
tant hero, the Rev. George Walker of Londonderry, The
mother of Capt. Walker was Ann, of the family of Montgom-
ery, of Mount Alexander, in Ireland, and had made a runaway
match with Robert Walker. Capt. James Walker married
Magdalen M. DuBois, the daughter of John DuBois and Gab-
riella DeRosset, his wife/'

"In the month of September, in reply to my report of 26th
of July, I received orders from the war department to proceed
with so much of the work therein contemplated as was em-
braced by General Smith's contract upon the tapia work at
the site of old Fort Johnston, that had been there constructed
by the then colonial Governor Johnston from *South Carolina
Anno 1740. In clearing away the sand I found much of the
tapia walls then erected finer in their whole length, on a front
of the ordinary half bastion flanks and curtain of two hun-
dred and forty feet extent, far superior to our contemplated
plan for the battery of tapia.

"Soon after this the slaves of General Smith commenced
the burning of lime in pens, called kilns, formed of sapling
pines formed in squares containing from one thousand to one
thousand two hundred bushels of oyster shells (alive) collected
in scows from the shoals in the harbor — there abundant.
These pens were filled with alternate layers of shells and
'lightwood' from pitch pine, and thus were burned in about
one day — very much to the annoyance of the neighborhood by
the smoke and vapor of burning shellfish, when the wind was
strong enough to spread the fumes of the kilns. In .the suc-
ceeding month of November I commenced the battery by con-
structing boxes of the dimensions of the parapet, six feet high
by seven in thickness, into which boxes was poured the tapia
composition, consisting of equal parts of lime, raw shells and
sand, and water sufficient to form a species of paste, or batter,
as the negroes term it."

"At the close of this month of November a large Spanish
ship called the 'Bilboa' was cast away on Cape Fear in a
storm. It was alleged by the crew, who were brought by
pilot Davis to my quarters, that the ship was laden with
sugar, and that there was much specie in 'the run'; that the
captain and mate had died at sea, and that having no navi-
gator on board they had put the ship before the wind and run
her on shore near the Cape. There were twenty-one in this
* Mistake for North Carolina.

Jambs Sprunt Historical Monograph

crew, a villainous looking set of rascals, that I have no doubt
they wore. Lieutenant Fergus detained them i ti tin- block
house at the fori until the collector sent inspectors t<> conduct
tlir crew t<> Charleston, where the ship was known to some
merchant. These men .ill had more <>r less of dollars in their
are woolen sisIks tied around their waists. On then* arrival
in Charleston they were detained some time, but no prooi
could be found against them, and they went free. The pilots
and others were lor some time alter this exploring the remains

i^i the wreck, but there was no valuable found among tin-
drift save spars and rigging"."

•in the previous month of September Alexander Calisance
Miller was introduced to Mrs. General Smith, Dr. Griffin and
myself and others by John Bradley, Esquire, of Wilmington.
Mr. Miller was an accomplished gentleman, especially so in
music and drawing-. He interested us much in his history.
He stated to us that he had escaped from France in the year
1797; was a cadet in the family of De la Marche; had been a
mere boy in the corps of Conde' at the battle of Dusseldoii ;
made his escape to America from Rotterdam by the aid of the
master of the ship, Captain Miller, whose name he bore, and
arrived in Philadelphia, where he earned his bread by teach-
ing the piano and violin and drawing Ik- is of remarkable
personal beauty and elegance of manner, and Dr. Griffin and
myself became very intimate with him." (Major Alex. C
Miller died in Bladen county, May (13 I?, 1831J

1805. ,4'In January, by order of General Wilkinson, I
relieved Lieutenant Fergus in the commando!' Fort Johnston.''

"This winter I became engaged to Miss Walker. The
season ran by charmingly at 'The Barn', Mr. Walker's resi-
dence in Wilmington, and at Belvidere, the residence of
General and Mrs. Smith, and at Fort Johnston. This en-
gagement gave, of course, new prospects of life, and as is
usual, my wishes gave them many agreeable hues. I had
stated to Mr. and Mrs. Walker that my chief dependence was
my profession. Mr. Walker said he could not subdivide his
property during his lift-; that he approved of tin- marriage,
and should do all he could to promote the interests of his
children."

"In the month of March Colonel Tathem, <>f Virginia,
arrived at the fort, bringing a collection «»| surveying and

98 The University Record

levelling- instruments, and an highly finished sextant to com-
mence by determining the longitude of the fort. He presented
himself to me, and described his services in Virginia as a par-
tizan officer in the Revolutionary war. His demeanor evinced
an erratic mind; I, however, promoted his wishes, and he
commenced to establish the elevation of the block-house
above the level of tide water, and extended a line of levels
toward the ponds in Brunswick. A't this juncture Captain
Coles and party arrived to prosecute a survey of the coast of
North Carolina by order of the United States navy depart-
ment, and commenced observations to determine the longi-
tude of the light-house on Bald Head. This operation
disturbed Colonel Tathem, who 'boxed his instruments' and
departed. Probably the colonel had learned at Washington
City of the purposes of the navy department, and had come
to the coast with some vague ambition for precedence of
knowledge."

"In April the Secretary of War sent me a modified contract
that had been proposed to him by General Smith, for his
more convenient discharge of the bond of Colonel Reed, to
which my reply was that it would delay the construction of
the tapia walls, and so it proved, for there was a suspension
of the collection of shells and lime-burning, and the workmen
departed with their implements, leaving me to await the
conclusion of the negotiation between the War Department
and the contractor."

"On May 5th, to test the capacity of the channel-way into
the harbor, I went to sea over the main bar in the Swedish
ship 'Louisa,' Captain Asmus, loaded with ton timber, and
drawing eighteen and one-third feet of water; thus establish-
ing the facts set forth in my report of 26th July in the pre-
ceding year to the Secretary of War on that subject — return-
ing to the Fort in the revenue cutter that had, at my request,
accompanied the ship to sea."

"On 3d June Dr. Griffin, Mr. Miller and myself went to
Wilmington in the revenue cutter, and on Thursday, 6th
June, 1805, Miss Walker and myself were married at her
father's residence, 'The Barn', by the Hon. John Hill, he
using the Episcopal service, and was selected by me for that
office because of his friendly relations to my father — they
having been classmates at Master Lovel's school in Boston in
1775. This resort to a magistrate was made in consequence

Jajucs Sprunt Historical Monograph »•

of the low estimate i>v Mr. Walker of the character oi the
then Rector oi St. James, in Wilmington, The bride's attend-
ants on this occasion were Eliza Younger, Cecilia Osborne,
and Maria Swann ; mine were Dr. Griffin, Mr. Miller, George
Burgwin, in lieu of his brother, John Fanning, accidentally
absent. (Rector referred to was Rev. Dr. Hailing)."

"In the following week Mrs. General Smith gave an enter-
tainment in honor of the marriage, at the town residence of

the general. The hilarity of this party was temporarily
intercepted by a letter and challenge from Captain Maui;
Moor to General Smith, who called me to his office to arrange
the affair with the friend of Mr. Moor — Captain Grange. On
22d of the month John Fanning Burgwin. Esquire, gave us a
wedding fete at the Hermitage, in a party of about one hun-
dred persons, that continued for two days. On that same day
I received my notice of promotion to the rank of first lieuten-
ant of engineers, and also advices from Colonel Williams of
the promotion of my brother officers, and of the appointment
of several cadets at the Military Academy, and that there was
some prospect of his return to the corps."

4 'On the anniversary of the battle of Fort Moultrie, in
South Carolina, 28th June, the meeting of General Smith and
Captain Moor took place in South Carolina, not far from the
sea side, where stands the Boundary House of the two states,
the line running through the centre of the hall of entrance,
where was held a parley with some North Carolina officers
sent in pursuit — our party occupying the south side of the
line in the hall, and thus be}Tond their jurisdiction. Captain
Moor was attended now by his cousin, Major Duncan Moor;
General Smith by myself and Dr. Andrew Scott, the surgeon
of both. At the second fire General Smith received his an-
tagonist's ball in his side and fell. The surgeons, Drs. Scott
and Griffin, conveyed the general to Smithville by water,
while I hastened to Belvidere, and in a chair conveyed Mrs.
Smith in the night to the Fort, through one of those storms
of lightning and rain that often rage in Carolina summers.
On this occasion the lightning destroyed two trees, one on
either side of the road, apparently at one flash, and for a mo-
ment blinding us; but the anxiety of the wife was superior to
the alarm, and the lady fouud her husband quite cheerful at
the Fort with the ball lodged near the left shoulder blade,
The party proceeded to Wilmington, where the General recov-

i6l) The University Record

ered after a few week's confinement. Family rancour between
these cousins was the cause of the duel."

"The 4th of July was celebrated this year at 'The Barn' by
Mr. Walker's inviting- my friends to a dinner given by him
for the occasion, and where I formed the acquaintance of Wil-
liam Gaston, Esquire, of Newbern, and *John Hayward, of
Raleigh. In the following- week, the 8th, the family moved
to the summer residence at the Fort, and renewed our fishing
and other sports of the season. On 12th of the month I was
summoned to the death-bed of our surgeon, Dr. Griffin, at
Wilmington, where he had been attending the wound of
General Smith. The doctor died of yellow fever, and in the
act of repeating the death scene of Shakespere's Julius
Caesar. In his lucid moments he pronounced his case mortal,
and asked to be buried in Mrs. General Smith's flower garden
at Smithville. * * * In a few days after this mournful
scene in Wilmington I was assailed by the same type of fever,
and by the care of Dr. DeRosset was conveyed to sea air at
the Fort, but did not regain my health until the following
September when, by authority of the Secretary of War, I em-
ployed Dr. R. Everett as surgeon for the port of Fort John-
ston, and by the same authority a hospital was commenced
there, which not only served for the garrison but also received
many a sailor from the European ships that carried the ton
timber of North Carolina to the dock yards of England "

"In November moved from my post quarters to the Bay
Street house of Captain Walker — that had been prepared for
his family residence at the fort— for my winter quarters. In
December I received a request from the Secretary of War to
examine the live oak and other growths on Bald Head Island,
to ascertain the expense of delivering the timber to the gov-
ernment by contract. Lieutenant Botts of the revenue cutter
and myself explored the whole island, east and west of 'Flo-
ra's Bluff,' and estimated that there were then standing at
least twentj- thousand live oak, sixteen thousand cedar and
twelve thousand palmetto trees; and we found that the ex-
pense for furnishing live oak by contract would be one dollar
per cubic foot delivered on board of a United States vessel in
Cape Fear River, and reported the same to the Secretary of
War: palmetto and cedar at half that price."

1806. "This winter, at the Fort, we received much com-
pany from Wilmington and Charleston, S. C, by the packet

* Should be Haywood.

James Spur vi Histokkai Mosookaimi 101

ot 'Captain McYlhenny, .1 favorite ship-master of that name.
We were sometimes obliged to borrow bedding from mj
friend Benjamin Blaney, and sometimes borrowed Bheep-
skins from the public stores, lor the gentlemen's beds, while
renison and wild turkeys were abundant from the woods in
the vicinity, and mj waiter, Riley, was an expert gatherer of
oysters from the shoals, and we had an abundance of sweet
potatoes and corn bread from the plantation. *

l4As the spring approached I beg-an to conclude that the
tapia contract to build the battery would not be fulfilled;
indeed I had letters from Washington informing- me that
General Smith had extended his negotiations with the Secre-
tary of War to the Treasury Department, and to secure the
'Reed bond' had mortgaged rice lands on the Cape Fear river.
Thus I was left with but slight duty in my small command of
troops at the post. I wrote the Secretary of War for such
leave as would allow me to look after some domestic affairs
up the river a few miles, that mi^ht be done consistently
with my responsibility as commandant at the fort. The
request was granted in a three months' leave under the condi-
tions proposed, and thus I left Sergeant Fowler in charg-e of
the troops and public stores, Dr. Everett in charg-e of the
hospital, and moved my family to Barnard's Creek, on the
Cape Fear, four miles below Wilmington, in the month of
February, 1806. The one-half of this place, including- a tract
of pine land of four thousand acres, Mr. Walker had g-iven
Mrs. Swift. My object was to essay in planting and milling-.
The plan was commenced by widening- and deepening a canal
from the mill pond to a rice mill, and by constructing- a set of
conduits at the tail of the mill race to run the water used on
the wheel into the rice field below the mill, extending- to the
marg-in of the river for the water-culture of rice. I also
constructed several of Evan's elevators, and brought the rice
machine into useful and profitable service."

"On 15th May my first child, James Foster, was born at the
residence of his grandfather Walker, and in walking to see
tin mother and son, from the mills, overheated and injured
myself. By the middle of June the unhealthy residence at
the mills had convinced me that rice planting and milling-
were not suitable pursuits for me in that climate. My g-ood
servant Erickson, a Swede, had died of the fever, and I buried
him under the live oaks at the margin of the creek. The

102 The University Record

honest man gave me his silver sleeve buttons as a memento of
his regard. This exposure to ill health caused me to return
to the fort in May, and to move my family thither the last of
June, 1806; and with the usual monthly report to the War
Department I sent an application to be sent to any northern
port that might be deemed proper for me, and was replied to,
that such should be done as soon as the good of the service
might indicate a station."

"On 14th July Lieutenant William Cox, of the United
States artillery, arrived at Fort Johnston, to relieve me from
command, but found me too ill of fever to proceed to make up
the returns and receipts of and for public property, and so
continued until 26th of August, at which time a storm swept
all the craft in the harbor into the marshes, save the revenue
cutter. On 28th I received the account of the destruction of
my rice crop, mill dam and flood gates at Barnard's. From
what source I cannot say, but from that day I began to recover
my health, and by 8th September was able to travel to Wil-
mington, and, with my family to sojourn at Mr. James W.
Walker's place at the Sound. On 15th October returned to
the fort, and took receipts from Lieutenant Cox for all the
public property at the fort, and transmitted the one part of
the duplicates to the war department. "

"First of November proceeded to Raleigh, and passed a few
days of my convalescence there in company with the Governor
of the State, Evan Alexander, Esq., and the Secretary of
State, Mr. John Guion. By 10th of the month had arrived at
my uncle Jonathan Swift's in Alexandria, and on the 13th at
the War office in Washington, where I received from the
Secretary my commission as captain of engineers. Had the
honor to dine with President Jefferson."

1807. "The holidays and January were passed among my
acquaintances in and near Wilmington and Fort Johnston, and
with an association at the head of which was Archibald F.
McNeill, Esq., the object of which was to raise means to aid
the poor of Wilmington. The mode was by representing
some of the plays of Shakespeare and others of the English
drama. The price of the tickets was a dollar, and a consid-
erable fund was realized, and Mr. McNeill was esteemed (and
in reality was) a good Hamlet. Mr. McNeill was an accom-
plished gentleman of the same family as Dr. Daniel McNeill
of the Scottish emigrants, after the battle of Culloden, among

* Wm. White was Secretary of State. Perhaps Guion was his locum
teneus. He was then very old.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph 108

whom was Flora McDonald, the friend of Charlea Edward 'the
Pretender*. Mr. McNeill's mother was a daughter of Sir
James Wright, the colonial Governor of Georgia, and he mar-
ried Miss Quince, an heiress ot Wilmington and cousin of
Mrs. Swift. Dr. Daniel McNeill is an Intimate friend of
mine. His wife, the beautiful Miss Martha Kiugsley, is one
of the most interesting persons in Wilmington. Among my
other intimates is our family physician and friend, and cousin
of Mrs. Swift, Dr. Armand J. DeRosset. He is of an old
Huguenot family expelled from France. The brothers Louis
and John had been early settlers in Carolina, and officers of
the royal government, and steady supporters of the Episcopal
church. Mr. George Hooper was also a friend of mine. His
family came from Boston with his brother William, the mem-
ber of Congress from North Carolina in 1776. Mr. George
Hooper settled as a merchant in Wilmington and married the
daughter of the distinguished counsellor, Archibald MacLeau*
and is a gentleman of inborn hospitality and of fine literary
taste, and writes well and with facility on various subjects.
The Hon. John Hill, whose family also came from Boston.
He was among the prosperous rice planters of Cape Fear.
His brother William was a member of Congress. The family
of Swann (formerly Jones) of Virginia were among the oldest
and most respectable families of Wilmington. The ancient
family of fMoor, descended from Governor James Moor of
South Carolina, were residing on the banks of the Cape Fear.
Alfred, recently a judge in the United States Supreme Court,
and his sons Alfred and Captain Maurice, informed me that
this family was that of Drogheda in Ireland, and that the
rebel, Roger Moor, celebrated as the defender of Irish inde-
pendence in the century before the last, was of the same
family. (Major Alexander Duncan Moor, the son of the
Revolutionary general, James Moor, was of the same family).
The family of Ashe was also living here. Col. Samuel, an
accomplished gentleman and son of the governor of that
name. They had given several officers to the army of the
Revolution, such as John Baptist and Captain Samuel."

"My groomsmen, John Fanning (Burgwin) and George Bur-
gwin, were the sons of an opulent merchant of Wilmington. The
family came from Bristol in England, where these sons were
educated. They introduced at their residence, the Hermitage,

♦Usually spelt McLaine.
tNow written Moore.

104 The University Record

the modern social habits of the English gentry, and which
the e'lder people of Wilmington said was not an improvement
upon the days when the Tories (Dr. Robert Tucker, Francis
Cobham and Colonel John Fanning) had given the gentry of
Cape Fear a sample of English manners, as practiced in New
York' when that was a British garrison in the Revolution. Be
that as it may, the Hermitage was a delightful visiting place.
The sister of the Burgwins was a beautiful woman, and had
also been educated in England, and had married Dr. Cleth-
erall of South Carolina."

"I had now been nearly three years a resident of North
Carolina, and had experienced the kindness and hospitality of
many of its good citizens, and become attached to them, and
had also in a measure become identified with their institu-
tions; was a master of a few slaves, and had a little experi-
ence of their ways and knowledge of their condition. The
relation of master and slave in that part of North Carolina is
of a kindly character in general on the part of the masters.
But with my essays to operate with this class of laborers I
could not be reconciled to their perpetual retention in a con-
dition forbidding their mental improvement; and as far as my
observation extended a sentiment similar to this was enter-
tained by most of the educated gentlemen. That which
seemed to me the worst consequence of slavery was its influ-
ence upon the minds and habits of the white children. The
natural disposition to rule, that is inherent in the human
mind, is nourished in the 'young master' and mistress. They
become impatient and domineering, and vent their angry
passions upon the negro children. These passions grow and
strengthen with the years of both white and negro child until
both approach their 'teens'. It is the nature of human qual-
ities that it should be so with both parties."

1807. "In the month of February I received orders from
Colonel Williams, who was then at the war office in Wash-
ington, to repair to West Point early in the ensuing April,
and receive the command of that post from Captain William
A. Barron."

k 'I negotiated a loan at the Bank of Cape Fear for four
hundred dollars, and received one hundred and fifty dollars
from the United States, and on 20th March was on -board the
packet Venus, Captain Oliver, with Mrs. Swift's mother and
niece Margaret as our companions, and, with Mrs. Swift and
our son James and servant Nancy, proceeded before a fair

Jamk.n Spki \ i Histokk \i M'

10.'.

.Hid received command of the
who went to the city. Mrs.
In- barge and made a visit to
t Newburgh, where I joined

and found Mr. DuBois (John)
reminiscences of the

md <>l the- iron rule of

wind i)\ the New Inlrt to Bea, and on 28th arrived .it Mrs.
Til ford's boarding house in Courtlandl street, city oi Ww
York. The next day gave Mr. George Gibbs two Hundred

dollars that I had received for him from Carleton Walker,
Ksij.. ol Wilmington, and <>n bth of A ]>ri 1 arrived by a New-
burg packet at old West Point
same from Captain Barron,
Swift, mother, and niece took
her uncle and Aunt DuBois
thorn in a few days thereafter.

an intelligent old gentleman, full <

scenes oi the war of 1781 in Carolina
Major Craig, Governor at Wilmington in those days, and
familiar with the events of the DeKosset and DuBois families,
then prominent people in North Carolina. The former he
described as refugees to Holland after the St. Bartholomew's
massacre, and the latter as refugees to the colonies after the
revocation of edict of Nantes.''

"Congress appropriated fifty thousand dollars for the sur-
vey of the coast, including the publication of Thomas Cole's
and Jonathan Price's survey of the coast of North Carolina;
the latter gentleman having published an interesting- map of
the whole of that State, one of the best specimens of maps
yet published in the Union, fully equal to Mr. Madison's map
(^{' Virginia, though both have many errors in them."

1S0S. "This winter we received the sad account of the sud-
den illness and death of Mrs. Swift's father. Captain Walker,
in Wilmington, North Carolina, on ISth January, at the age
of sixty-six years, lie sent me a messag-e through Dr. De-
Rossett of his hopes that I would approve of his will. I did
not. however, see the justice by which his son James received
the greater portion of the estate. This will diminished my
prospects of settling my family, as was contemplated to be
done, near Boston, in accordance with arrangements to be
made under the orders of my official chief, with whom I was
exchanging thoughts in reference to his purpose to assigm
me to duty in that quarter.'1

1809. "At the request of .1. W. Walker and S. K. Jocelyn
Of Wilmington, N. ('.. I examined tin- salt works at Dorches-
ter, and employed Thomas Mayo of Cape Cod to proceed to
the Sound, near Wilmington, where he constructed similar
vats for evaporation. The plan was yery successful.'1

106 The University Record

"On 6th of November we were at the New Inlet of Cape
Fear, and landed on Federal Point, the proposed site for a
work recommended to the War Department in 1804, in my re-
port made at the time. Thence proceeded to Wilmington and
found my family in health at "The Sound," and remained
there until 10th November, at which time made a temporary
residence at Mrs. Swift's mother's, Mrs. Walker, in Wilming-
ton, preparatory to going- to Fort Johnston. After an ab-
sence of two-and-a-half-years find North Carolina but little
changed in aspect of country. The best of North Carolina is
constituted of warm hearts and an early flowering spring.
My intimacy with the people of North Carolina, and some ac-
quaintance with the interests of the State have grown with
me, and attached me to both."

"In December, 1809, the Legislature of North Carolina re-
ceded the site to P\)rt Johnston to the United States."

"On 11th of the month I received orders from the chief en-
gineer constituting me the engineer for the State coast."

1810. "In January, previous to my professional excursion
to the Harbor of Cape Fear, I renewed my social relations
with increased pleasure at Judge Wright's, Mr. John Lord's,
the Hills and other families. At one of these re-unions, a
numerous party, Dr. Caldwell, from the University of Chapel
Hill, exhibited the declining condition of that college, and
the whole company joined in a subscription to improve the
condition of that institution, the alma mater of several of the
younger persons of the party.

In the course of this month I visited Fort Johnston with
Joshua Potts, General Smith and Mr. John Lord, and exam-
ined the boundaries of the public land at that place, and the
delapidated condition of the work, and reported on the same
to the War Department. Lieutenant Robert Roberts was in
this Board of Examination, and was also the commandant
of the post. The reply from the department is that no more
would be done at that post than occasional repairs and the
construction of permanent barracks."

"In February at a deer hunt with a party at Major Duncan
Moore's, in the forks of the north-west and north-east branches
of Cape Fear River got up some sixteen fine deer. On this
occasion Major Moore offered me one hundred acres of rice
land on terms so liberal (if I would settle my family in his
neighborhood) that I could not accept them without incurring
too deep an obligation, but the liberality was not forgotten,"

JamM Si'urvi Hi>t<»kioal Monograph 107

"March L8th, in companj with m.mv gentlemen from Wil-
mington on .1 search for the son of our friend, Samuel R. Jo-
celyn. ( >n the second day the body was found in Holly Shel-
ter Swamp, he having wandered thither in a demented state,
.md was chilled to death lying in some lour inches of water.
His name Samuel, and recently married to a daughter of
Counsellor Sampson, <>l the county of that name.11

"In April I accompanied John K. London and others to the
Sound on an excursion to see its adaptation to salt-making*.
1 gave these gentlemen the plan of the works on Cape Cod
that I had received from Mr. Thayer of that place. No doubt
the ocean water in this shallow sound, not being freshened
by rivers, and constantly receiving the tide from the sea,
must afford a good surface for evaporation."

"On the 13th of the month I received orders from the War
Department to construct permanent barracks at Fort John-
ston, with funds to defray the expenses thereof, and also or-
ders to relieve Lieutenant Roberts in the command of that
post."

"During the past season I had attended the Masonic Lodge
m Wilmington, having been admitted to that fraternity
while at West Point in the year 1802. Observing an abuse
of the test for admission, and considering the objects of the
society, as a secret society, not agreeable to the spirit of our
political institutions, I ceased to be a member of any Lodge,
though having do doubt that the conduct of the society had
ever been respectful of law, and with benevolent purposes."

"April 20th. renewed my official visits to the fort while the
commandant is preparing his returns to obey the orders of
the War Department; examined at the workshops the gun
carriages made on Colonel Burbeck's plans, and condemned
them They are of pitch pine, but not strong enough to re-
sist the concussion of a proof charge of powder. I had re-
ported these facts to the War Department, and also that the
works at Beaufort, in my command, required seven cannon
and carriages and a barrack magazine, that would call for an
expenditure of fifteen thousand dollars."

"May 1st. received the command of Fort Johnston from
Lieutenant R. Roberts, and gave him receipts for the public
stores. The next day. with the collector of the port, examin-
ed the beach at Bald Head, and the encroachments of the sea

108 The University Record

at that place, and advised the placing" of fascines confined by
piles of thirty feet in length, as a protection against the ac-
tion of the waves."

"May 15th, moved my family to the fort, and at house-
keeping- in the 'Blaney Place' near the fort. June 1st, depos-
ited the United States funds in the Bank of Cape Fear, and
commenced the collection of materials for barracks, etc.,,

"On June 15th, with the commissioners of the town of
Smithville, marked out the lines of the United States land,
and set red cedar posts for landmarks.'1

4'The first armed vessel that came in was the British
schooner 'Eliza,' Captain Bradshaw, who landed his guns at
the battery."

"From the great mobility of the sand on the coast the
storms had produced a variety of changes in the form of a
large shoal near the entrance of the harbor, called the "Mid-
dle Ground'. I employed the pilots early, and at several times
in the month of July to sound out and buoy the Old Island
channel, and found thereby several changes in the course of
the channel that had been made since my survev in the year
1804."

"On the 3rd of August, in the presence of the collector of
the port, Robert Cochran, Esq., and General Smith, the pro-
prietor of the Island of Bald Head, and others, Mr. S. Spring
the keeper of the light-house, etc., surveyed and marked with
a theodolite, ten(10)acres, including the site of the light-house
and having- reference to the abrasion to the shore of the sea,
as examined last May, I included a wide sea-beach margin on
Bald Head."

"August 9th, with a theodolite, above mentioned, received
from Jones of London, made observations that proved the
magnetic variation at Fort Johnston at this time to be fifty-
five minutes from the true meridian."

"The August election of State officers came on this year on
9th of the month. I gave the troops a fishing excursion to
Old Island for that day, with a view „o prevent any question
of 'interference of troops at the polls,' in reference to which,
as an abuse of the franchise, much had been said, but, as far
as my experience extended, had never witnessed any such in-
terpolation."

.) iMM 8PR! N T EtlRTORIC \i. M<>\<>< a< u-h

109

■•On 12th August the United States i>rig 'Nautilus,' Cap-
tain Arthur Sinclair, came into perl in a storm that bad
wrecked an English brig on the 'Middle Ground1 shoal."

'•On 25th September accompanied Captain Sinclair to sea

for the purpose of examining the 'slew' through the Frying
Pan Shoal, which we found at a distance of thirteen miles
south oi the light. house, a four-fathom channel directly
through the Pan, bearing east-by-south, After a cruise of a

few davs the 'Nautilus' returned to anchor off Fort Johnston,
and finally resumed the cruise along the coast on 7th of Oc-
tober."

"During the months of October and November the weather
was excellent for labor, and by 1st December had completed
the brick barracks and guard-house, and discharged the work-
men. Moved the troops into the new barracks, much to their
comfort."

"December 12th, by order of the Secretary of War, trans-
ported the military stores from Wilmington to the block-house
at the fort. These appurtenances had been in the use of the
12th United States Regiment of Infantry in 1799, and were
stored in Wilmington in 1800."

"Passed our Christmas at the wedding of our fair cousin,
Marv Vance, with Mr. James Orme, and with my friends
Alexander C. Miller and General and Mrs. Smith at Belvidere,
and at General Brown's seat at Ashwood, on the Cape Fear,
and returned to the fort on the last day of 1810. "

1811. '^January 5th, *the governor of the State and suite
inspected the post at Fort Johnston, and was received with
military honors."

"In February I employed Dr. Egbert Haywood Bell as sur-
geon of the post, which was confirmed by the Secretary of
War. The doctor is distinguished in his profession. The
family of which he is a member are generally noted for tal-
ents; they reside in the upper country of North Carolina.
During the winter Mrs. Swift's sister Harriet and husband,
tColonel Osborne, had been members of our family, and in the
spring they moved to Salisbury, when Mrs. Swift's mother
joined our family. Mrs. Osborne is not only amiable but has
also an highly cultivated mind, that has contributed much to
our enjoyment. With Mrs. Osborne we had the pleasure to
receive as guests the father and daughter, Colonel John De-

* William Hawkins, of Warren.

+ Edwin Jay Osborne.

110 The University Record

Bernier. They were from England; and from Edward Jones,
Esquire, I learned that this gentleman, with his brother
Henry, had (both) been lieutenant-colonels in the army of
England, and in command in Canada, where they had been
suddenly relieved from command, and chagrined by the or-
der, they had both sold out their commissions, which act was
soon succeeded by orders giving them both more distinguish-
ed commands in India. The mortification resulting from
those occurrences may be imagined. In the case of Colonel
DeB. melancholy was marked on his face. Mr. Jones, who
gave me this information, is an Irish gentleman, and has
filled the office of * attorney-general of North Carolina with
high repute. The Colonel Osborne before mentioned is the
son of tAudly Osborne, Esquire, of Iredell County, North
Carolina, reputed to be a son of the family of Leeds, in Eng-
land. The colonel is a lawyer of much ability, and who, with
four of his brothers, had received the first honors of Chapel
Hill College/'

"Duiing the months of February and March flocks of pig-
eons were daily passing over the fort, with a sound resembling
a gust of wind. Several of these flocks were more than a mile
in extent, and vast numbers of them were destroyed. Their
roost was on Bald Head Island, where they found an abun-
dance of acorns, and from whence sportsmen brought many
thousands of these birds."

"On 12th May while at Wilmington dining with George
Hooper, Esquire, was summoned to the bed of his son-in-law,
Mr. James Fleming, who had a few moments previous left us
at table, and had been thrown against the corner of the brick
market house in town by an unruly horse. Mr. Fleming's
brains were forced through the ears by the concession, and I
found him breathing with some violence, but he was dead
within an hour."

"The 4th July was passed at the seat of General Brown at
Ash wood, with a purpose to attend the marriage of my friend
Alexander C. Miller, and the general's daughter, Miss Mary
Brown. The general asked me of the origin, etc., of Mr.
Miller; my reply was all that I knew of him had been received
of him, and to judge from his uniform deportment it left me
no reason to doubt that he had been highly educated, etc.

* Ool. Jones was Solicitor-General.
t Adlai is the usual spelling.

Jambs Srur m BlBTOIUOAL Monograph 111

Before leaving the fort, Lieut. Roberta and myself had ie1
our watches together and arranged to have the salute at the
tort commenced at noon, and to ftre a.t interval oi fifteen
Seconds. I placed myself aione at the margin of the Cape

Fear River at Ashwood, sixty miles distant from the fort, in
duo season t<> listen, and heard the sound of the distant can-
non, hut n«>t at precise intervals. The sound was that of a
puffing continuous sort, and I counted only fourteen of them.
My ear was not more than three inches above the surfa
the water; the d.iy was quiet, and the air from the southwest;
in v position in a direction a little west of north from the fort.
In the banks of the Cape Fear at this place, some seventy feet
below the general surface of the country, I found an abun-
dance of shark's teeth and other organic remains in the earth,
washed by every successive rise of the river."

"I returned to the fort on 6th, and on 10th July, having
received the long expected 24-pounder new cannon, carriages,
and six hundred round shot, replaced the old guns by mounting
the battery with eight newels.''

i4The appropriations this year for fortifications are four
hundred and seven thousand dollars. These and preceding
preparations may show both France and England that our
endurance of their decrees and orders may, find a limit. Both
nations seem, from our own dissensions, or contempt for us
and for our form of government, to consider our ability or pur-
pose to sustain a war as of small importance to them. Both
parties in our country greatly mistake their policy; the Demo-
crats in their evasive palliations of the cause of France; the
Federalists by their efforts to prove that the decrees and
orders are equally insulting and therefore deserving equal
resistance. They lose sight of the hope of England that we
may make some error to favor their pretensions, and that her
superiority on the ocean gives her power to annoy, arid they
lose sight of the fact that if we ever are to assert our rights
on the seas, we must commence to do it while England is
practising her arrogant power of impressment."

4 'July 11th received at the fort, *Treasurer Haywood and
other guests from Raleigh, who came to look at the ocean,
and to be informed of what plan of defense might secure the
entrance to the most important harbor on the coast of
North Carolina, in which the Legislature of the State had
taken a deep interest, and here were several of her prominent

* State Treasurer, John Haywood. i

J 12 The University Record

members to prepare themselves to give that body such an
account of their observations as they could collect. It was
ver}r evident that these gentlemen had no respect for the mod-
erate use of naval power of England in case we should have
a war with them."

"In my memorandum of my visit to Ashwood I omitted to
state that there stands a tree whose bark has been marked,
indented in the year 1780, with a figure representing the
Revolutionary general Robert Howe. These marks had been
spread by the growth of the tree, and now exhibits a gigantic
rude figure of a man in military costume. This is the result
of a slight engraving on the bark of any tree, especially the
beech, but if the indentation be deep the growth of the bark
covers the work and so obliterates the design. "

"August 1st delivered the command of Fort Johnston to
Lieutenant Roberts, United States Artillery."

1812. "February 1st, gave orders to Lieutenant Ewing to
detail a party to work daily in the block-house, cleaning the
arms, etc., received there in the previous year. This was in
pursuance of orders received from the War Department,
together with the appointment of myself as military agent
for the coast of North Carolina, and was the first intimation
in orders of haste, of preparation for war!"

"February 21st, the United States brig 'Vixen', commanded
by Lieutenant Charles Gadsden, arrived at Fort Johnston on
public business with me.'1

"In March I received orders from the Secretary of War that
the state of public affairs required an inspection of the forti-
fications on the coast of Virginia, the two Carolinas and Geor-
gia, and requiring me to make the same as soon as my present
duty permitted."

"On April 1st proceeded on this inspection in the packet to
Charleston, South Carolina, (at the same time escorting the
daughter of Colonel DeBernier on a visit to her friends in
South Carolina This lady is the wife of Harper Hooper,
Esquire, of Wilmington), leaving the command of Fort Johns-
ton to Lieutenant Ewing." (Next several pages contain
account of this inspection — war being imminent. )

kkAt the close of the month received letters from my family
informing of the birth of my son Thomas Delano, at the resi-
dence of his grandmother Walker in Wilmington, 23d Novem-
ber, 1812,"

James Si-Ki m Bjstorioaj Konoorafb 118

••On *>tli December, with Bishop Hobart consulting OH the
subject of inviting the Rev. AxLam Kmpic to take the chap-
laincy of the military Academy, the Secretary of War having
in the previous summer given his consent to offer the appoint-
ment to Mr. Empie, and having" learned thai he Mr. Empie)
had determined to leave Wilmington, North Carolina, I now
wrote to Mr. Empie that the Bishop highly approved the
plan, and that the selection of an Episcopalian had been
made because, aside from my own views, the service of thai
church was deemed to be the most appropriate to the discip-
line of a military academy."

"On May 7th, 1814, Rev. Adam Empie reported for duty at
the Military Academy. On 20th of May I inducted him to
his office, that of chaplain and professor of ethics, and also
treasurer of the Academy; a novel junction of functions, but
rendered needful by want of officers."

"In the past two years 1 have endeavored to promote the
interests of the Military Academy by selecting- the intellec-
tual sons of my most respectable acquaintance, and inviting-
them to apply to the Secretary of War Tor cadet's warrants.
Among- the number is fWilliam McNeill, the son of my friend
Dr. Daniel McNeill of Wilming-ton, N. C; whom meeting on
my way to West Point, and he on his way to commence theo-
logical study with Rev. Mr. Wyatt of Newtown, L. L, he
(William) found my purpose suitable to his propensities, and
so took him with me to the Point. He has been there now-
several months, and gives evidence of being- suited to the
place."

ISIS. -'I returned on 3d March to my family in Brooklyn,
\vith whom the Rev. Mr. Empie had passed the winter, and
where Mrs. Swift had received the account of the death of
her only sister, Harriet, Mrs. Osborne, in North Carolina."
Winter of 1816, "the Rev. Mr. Empie having- returned to his
former residence in North Carolina."

* Dr. Bmpie retained to Wilmington and was a leader in reviving the
Episcopal Church in North Carolina. He was afterwards President of
William and Mary College and Rector of St. James Church, Richmond.
Va.

i Wm. Qibbfl McNeill became Major of Eugineers: resigned 1837 and
was a distinguished civil engineer; Major General of Militia of Rhode
Island.

114 The University Record

1817. "While thus confined (Sept. 20th to Oct. 6th) Gen-
eral Benjamin Smith of Wilmington, North Carolina, called
on me, and awaited my convalescence. My brother-in-law,
Julius H. Walker, being- my amanuensis, I dictated a letter of
introduction of General Smith to the Secretary of the Navy,
and recommended the purchase of Bald Head, North Carolina,
because of the extensive growth there of live oak and cedar,
and thus to enable General Smith to liquidate the old bond of
Colonel Reed, late collector, for whom General Smith had
become security."

"On October 13th Mrs. Swift, with her mother and brother
Julius, and my son Julius and daughter Sarah left me, and by
packet sailed for Wilmington; Mrs. John London and chil-
dren occupying my house in Washington St."

1818. "On 7th February I proceeded to Newbern, where I
met William Gaston, Esquire, whose very agreeable acquaint-
ance I had made in the family of father-in-law in Wilming-
ten, 1806, when Gaston practiced in the courts there. At
dinner I also met my friend John Guion, Esquire, and William
Graham, and Mr. Donnel, and passed a few hours with John
Stanly, Esq., one of the brightest minds in the State. On
9th February arrived in Wilmington."

"On 21st February the citizens of Wilmington gave me a
dinner — a flattering token of the remembrance of earlier days
I attempted no speech in response to a complimentary remark,
and gave this toast: — "North Carolina and her liberal spirit,
as evinced in her carte blanche order to Canova for a sculp-
ture of Washington, at an expense limited only by the artist's
decision."

"February 26th, to Fort Johnston, Oak Island and Bald
Head, and reported from Smith ville my views to the War
Department. Visited the grave of my friend John Lightfoot
Griffin, in the garden that had been the care of its owner in
1805, Mrs. Sarah Dry Smith. I could find no stone in the
public graveyard to mark the resting place of my early
friend Benjamin Blaney, the friend also of the poor, and that
especially of the sick sailor and stranger."

"February 28th to Orton, the plantation of General Smith
on the banks of the Cape Fear, and passed a day with Mrs. S.
D. Smith and himself. The pleasure of our reminiscences of
that spot, and of Belvidere, were clouded by the aspect of the
failing fortunes of the General. Mrs. Smith presented us at

Jambs Sprum Sdtobk \r, Monograph llfi

the hoard a bottle of the nearly consumed stock of old sherry,
with which, .ind blue perch from the adjacent pond, we were
used to regale in more prosperous days; Mrs. Smith evincing
I well-balanced serenity, to cheer her husband. On March
1st returned to Wilmington, and found it a fruitless essay to
Liquidate the large claims of the general's creditors."

•Mrs. Swift and myself renewed our associations with the
Lords, Mrs Vance, Mr. Miller and the Browns, Wrights,
Tooniers. L.mdons, Hoopers, and other of the friends of onr
more early days. On 7th visited my correspondent, Alfred
Moore, Esq., at Buchoi, and enjoyed a retrospect of our deer
hunts with Duncan Moore, now laid low, and the Swanns,
Hills and Burgwins, Richard Eagle, etc."

"On 11th March, I purchased carriage and horses, and,
with my wife, son and daughter, and maid Peggy, commenced
a jaunt to Norfolk, leaving of our family in Wilmington, Mr.
J. W. Walker and Julius, and their mother, Mrs. Walker — an
exemplary parent, and true lady of the old school — and her
sister. Mrs. Ann Quince, of equal virtues and our semper
idem friend and cousin, and family physician, Dr. A. J.
DeRosset. Mrs. Vance and daughters Mary and Jane took
the road to Newbern by the Sound to Sage's, and to Colonel
Shine's by Holly Shelter and Trenton. Detained some days
by storm in Newbern, entertained by friends there already
named, and by the Edwards; employed the rainy hours in
reading to Mrs. Swift, whose piety enjoyed the "Rise and
Progress of Religion in the Soul of Man", by Doddridge, more
than her less pious husband, who, however, found it among
the best books he ever perused — thanks be to God."

:,c 5jc ^c jfc

"From thence to the city, where I met Mrs. Swift's cousin,
Mrs. Mary ( >rme. who returned with me on 26th to my family
in Georgetown; finding there my old friend General B. Smith,
from Belvidere, on his way to Kentucky, to examine his lands
near Henderson. My brother-in-law, James W. Walker, from
Wilmington, has been sojourning in my family on his way to
seek a new residence on the Limestone River in Alabama, and
to examine some lands in West Tennessee to which his father
had claims for military service."

"Our friend Mrs. Orme returned to Wilmington under the
escort of Mr. . I wrote by her to Julius H. Walker, ad-
vising him of all the facts that had come to me from Lawyer
Shiirht of Newburg, and from uncle John DuBois of the same

116 The University Record

town to- wit: That all the children of John DuBois (Mrs.
Swift's grandfather) were entitled to the said grandfather's
rights in the "Minnesink land", and that under the will of
Mrs. Swift's mother, Julius H. and Louisa M. Walker ( my
wife) were entitled to all the said lands that had belonged to
Isaac DuBois, the brother of the said grandfather John;
which land had descended to the only child (Margaret) of the
said Isaac and wife of the aforesaid John DuBois of New-
burgh, to whom was born one son, Isaac, who dying before
his father and after his mother, the said father, John had con-
veyed by his will all the rights of said Isaac, his father-in-
law, to his sister, the said M. M. Walker, mother of said
Julius H. and Louisa M., i. e., all said Dr. Isaac DuBois'
rights in the patent of land called the "Minnesink Patent"
aforesaid, which said Dr. DuBois died in October, 1745, and
was then seized with his brother, the aforesaid grandfather
John, (who died December, 1767,) of all the DuBois right to
the said "Minnesink lands," they, two brothers, being the
only heirs and sons of the Rev. Gualthemus DuBois, deceased
in October 1751."

1819. "On 15th April my son McRee was born, and named
for my friend Colonel McRee."

"On 14th October I purchased from George Gibbs the
place where I was living with him on the Heights, and on 1st
November commenced trimming a large grape vine that Mrs.
Gibbs had transplanted from General Smith's garden in
Smithville, North Carolina, and I gave the cuttings of the
vine to William Prince, the florist and gardener at Flushing,
who wished to name the grape "The Louisa", for my wife,
but both she and myself deemed Mrs. Isabella Gibbs entitled
thereto, and accordingly the vine was named "The Isabella",
and I gave the cuttings to many of my neighbours in Brook-
lyn. Thus originated the Isabella Grape, 1824."

1820. ' 'October 7th, received from the United States Comp-
troller a deed of trust of Bald Head, Mallory and Blue Banks
lands on Cape Fear River, in North Carolina— several thous-
and of acres — with the directions to have the same acknowl-
edged before the mayor of the city, and which was done as
agent of the United States Treasury, to aid in settling a debt
of General B. Smith as security for Colonel Reed a defaulter,
and late collector of the port of Wilmington, North Carolina."

Jambs Spri m Histohkai Monograph

117

1823*. -in June m\ mother-in-law . u 1 < I grand-daughter
M.jrv Ann. ;m<l cousin Mary Orme, John Q, McNeil! and Mrs.
S."s brother-in-law, Edwin Jay Osborne, returned t<> North
Carolina. Mr. Osborne, a gentleman of fine mind, attempted,
by aid of toy friend Cadwallader Colden, Esq., t<> establish
himself in the citv a9 a counsellor of law, but did not succeed.'1

LETTER OF COL. SAMUEL ASHE, ON REVOLUTION-
ARY HISTORICAL POINTS*

The writer of the following- letter was Colonel Samuel
Ashe, of Rocky Point, brother of Colonel John Baptista
Ashe, of Halifax, who was elected Governor and died before
qualification. Samuel was the second son of the Governor
and Judge of the same name, born in 1763 and entered the
army at the age of sixteen. He was captured at Charleston
with the rest of General Lincoln's army; confined on a prison-
ship for fifteen months, exchanged on James River, served
with LaFayette in Virginia, then with General Greene in
South Carolina until the end of the war. He was appointed
a colonel in the War of 1812; was State senator for seven
terms. He died in Fayette ville 1835. One of his sons was
the late William S. Ashe, President for years of the Wilming-
ton and Weldon Rail Road Company, and author and origin-
ator of the charter of the North Carolina Rail Road Company.

Joseph Seawell Jones, generally known as "Shocco" Jones,
was a native of Warren County, and author of "The Defence
of the Revolutionary History of the State of North Carolina
from the Aspersions of Mr. Jefferson." He died in Missis-
sippi in 1855. He had considerable sprightliness, but lacked
accuracy.

To J. Seawell Jones, Esq.
Dear Sir:

My personal acquaintance with Mr. Hooper, owing to the
great disparity in our ages, for he was much my senior, was
very slight, having but seldom been thrown in his company
after I reached manhood. But I am happy in being able to say of
him that as a Lawyer, a Scholar, a man of amiable and fas-
cinating manners, he was unrivalled by any of his contempo-
raries, and as a whig, he enjoyed the entire confidence of all
who knew him, and it never entered my mind until I saw Mr.
Jefferson's letter, that the soundness of his principles had

James Sfbuot Bhtoiw u ItoiioaiUPfl i\u

been questioned by a in one. Prom my intimate knowledge
oi his character, I feel warranted in Baying ih.it he v.
man oi a^ purr principles and as ardently devoted t<> the cause
of American liberty as any other oi the distinguished person-
ages who were evolved by the Revolution.

The Col. John Ashe to whom you allude, was an elder
brother of my father, Samuel Ashe, who were the only sons
of John Baptists Ashe, itiy grandfather, who was the first oi
the Ashe family who came into North Carolina. He \\
lawyer, and a hold energetic man. distinguished in his profes-
sion and frequently a member of the provincial legislature, as
[have been informed. Col*J6hn Ashe was a man of engag-
ing and popular manners, and one of the first and firmest
opposers of the oppressive measure of the British Govern-
ment, and early distinguished himself, as did many other
worthy and gallant spirits, who have sunk unnoticed to the
grave,* in resisting the distribution of the stamps at Wilming-
ton. Notwithstanding his firm and decided opposition to
what he conceived to be encroachments by the Mother Coun-
try on the rights of the colonies, he was made treasurer of the
Southern Division of North Carolina five or six years, as well
as my memory serves me, before the breaking out of the Rev-
olution. He was, I think, a delegate together with my father,
*Judge Maurice Moore, and his brother General James Moore,
Mr. George Moore, Alexander Lillington and perhaps Cor-
nelius Harnett, to form the Constitution of the State. The
part which they respectively took as members of that body,
is doubtlessly a matter of record and better known to you than
myself. The first session of our legislature, conferred on him
the commission of Col. of the Militia of the county of New
Hanover, and shortly afterwards, perhaps the next session, he
was made Brigadier General of the District. Shortly after
this time, Georgia was actually invaded and South Carolina
threatened with invasion, by the British troops under the com-
mand of General Prevost, when General Ashe with a division
of North Carolina troops was ordered to join the Continental
Army, then near the Savannah River, under the command of
General Lincoln who was then in South Carolina. Immedi-
ately upon his Junction with General Lincoln, he was ordered

* The delegates from New Haiiover were John Ashe, Samuel Ashe,
John Devaiie, Sampson Moseley, John Hollingsworth. From Brunswick
were Maurice Moore, Cornelius Harnett, Archibald McLaine, (sometimes
s]* lr McLean), Lewis Dupree and William Lord. William Hooper was
the delegate from the borough of Wilmington.

120 The University Record

to the western side of the Savannah River with his Militia,
who were raw and undisciplined, and many of them actually
destitute of arms, and was stationed on Briar Creek near its
Junction with the Savannah. He had not been long in this
position when his rear was surprised and attacked by a Div-
ision of the British Army, when a general route of the Militia
ensued. Major Nelson and Mr. Francis Kinlaw, who were
eye witnesses of this defeat, both informed me that General
Ashe made every exertion and did all that a Commander
could do to rally his men and prevent the overthrow of his
division. Mr. Kinlaw, I think, also informed me that General
Ashe made application either tT> General Lincoln or to S.
Carolina to be supplied with arms or ammunition, perhaps
both, but could not obtain them. Some years subsequent to
this, General Ashe was betrayed by a confidential servant into
the hands of the British who kept him a close prisoner. Dur-
ing- his confinement he was taken with the Smallpox and after
a tedious illness was discharged on parole, but with a Consti-
tution so much impaired that he shortly afterward died at the
house of Col. John Sampson in Sampson County.

Pursuant to your wish, I will endeavor to furnish you with
my reminiscences, as they occur to me, of Judge Maurice
Moore and his brother, James Moore, (brothers-in-law to Gen-
eral John Ashe.) Judge Moore was a highly gifted and ac-
complished gentleman, distinguished alike for the soundness
of his professional learning and his urbanity of manners. He
stood high, and deservedly so in the confidence and esteem of
all who knew him, but unfortunately fell a victim to pulmo-
nary consumption in the midst of his usefulness and the vigor
of his manhood, in the year 1777 or 1778 as nearly as I can
recollect. General James Moore, I have reason to believe, was
a member of the first legislature from N. Hanover County and
was appointed by an act of that legislature Col. Commandant
of the 1st N. Carolina regiment of Regulars. He was a man
of distinguished talents and admirably qualified by the pecu-
liar cast of his mind for military pursuits, but unfortunately,
the delicacy of his constitution formed a striking contrast to
the boldness and energy of his character. He fell a victim of
disease shortly after the discomfiture of the Tories at Moore-s
Creek, universally regretted and lamented as an able officer, an
accomplished gentleman and one of the firmest and most effi-
cient advocates of our Country's cause in those perilous times.
He left two sons, James Moore and A. D. Moore, gentlemen of

.I\mk> Si'kim Bihomcul Mohochufb 1^1

high standing and respectability, and two daughters who
left a numerous progeny. The daughters, Sirs. Swann
and Mrs. Watters, are still living venerated and beloved bi all
who know them. I should have also mentioned in conne< tiou
with Judge Maurice Moore, thai he left three sons, the two
youngest died in early life; the eldest, Alfred, bore a conspic-
uous pari in the Revolution arv War, and subsequently became
distinguished in his profession as «i lawyer. He succ<
Judge [red ell as A t torney ( General, which appointment he filled
with singular promptness and ability and was afterward mad.

One of the Judges Of the Supreme Court of the United States

lie had a sister Sarah Moore who married General I'Vaiuis
Nash, who left one only daughter. She became the wile of
Mr. John Waddell of Brunswick County, from whom have
sprung a numerous and respectable progeny. General Nash
fell at the battle of (iermantown at the head of the North
Carolina Line. At the breaking- out of an Indian War about
the year 1715. James Moore, Esq., then Governor of the Pro-
vince of Carolina, sent out his son Maurice Moore (the
father of Judge Maurice Moore and (ien. James Moor
the head of a division of troops for the defense and protection
of the settlers about Eden ton. After a difficult and protracted
contest with the Indians he succeeded in subduing- them; and
shortly afterwards formed the design of establishing- a colony
on the Cape Pear, which was the third attempt that had been
made For this purpose he associated a number of highly
Ctable persons from Virginia, Eden ton and Charleston
which gave to the colony a character of respectability and
intelligence rarely equalled in any new settlement.

(i neral Alexander Lillington was a native ol Carolina from

the vicinity of Eden ton; he was a highly respectable man and

to<»k an early and active part in the Revolution. By the first

Legislature he was appointed Colonel of a regiment of Minute

men. two hundred to two hundred and fifty of which he had

raised and called into service at the time of the Scotch [usur-

rection. Upon the approach of the Scotch to Wilmington

they were met at Moore's Creek by General Lilling-ton who

stationed bis men across a peninsula formed by the creek,

commanding entirely the road ami the bridge by his position.

al Casweil. who was his senior in command, was com-

d lor the want of room to form in Lilling-ton's rear.

The battle was fought early in the morning and such of the

li and Tories l(> passed the bridge were destroyed. The

♦1711. 9

122 The University Record

succeeding- Legislature made him a Colonel of our sixth Regi-
ment of Regulars, which command he held about twelve
months, then resigned it and was subsequently promoted by
the Legislature to the rank of Brigadier General of the Mili-
tia in the district of Wilmington. During the invasion of
South Carolina by General Provost, and while a descent upon
Charleston was threatened, he marched immediately with what
Regulars and Volunteers he could command to the assistance
of that City. He continued to the close of the war, an active,
vigilant, and useful public servant, universally esteemed and
respected. He left a son who was the father of the present
Major John Lillington of Wilmington.

Richard and Parker Quince who were gentlemen of great
respectability and were devoted whigs, but, quiet and unob-
trusive in their characters, they never mingled in public life.

John Walker was an Englishman, who came to this country
when very young, attached himself ardently to the whig
party, and was a Captain in Col. James Moore's Regiment.
After serving a year or two, he resigned, but continued a
zealous whig throughout the war. Gen. Robert Howe was
made a Colonel by our second legislature (according to my
best recollection) and marched to the relief of Norfolk when
it was attacked by the British under Governor Dunmore, and
was promoted in Virginia (strange as it may seem) to
the rank of Brigadier General. He marched from thence
to the North and soon took the rank of Major General, and
occupied a distinguished stand among the military men of the
day. Few have equalled him in the elegance and courtliness
of his manners, and his talents were confessedly of the first
order.

Cornelius Harnett came to Wilmington before the breaking
out of the Revolution, and early and heartily espoused the
cause of the colonies. He was, I think, a member of the old
Congress from North Carolina, and was esteemed a man of
acquirement and great usefulness. While the British were at
Wilmington he was made prisoner, and I think died in cap-
tivity.

In respect to the duel to which you allude, I do not suppose
I can give you any information. I have no recollection of
having- heard of any occurrence of the kind between a British
and an American officer, but there was a circumstance some-
what similar in its character which doubtless gave rise to the
story you have related. There was a duel fought near Bruns-

.! VMM Sl'RI M HlKTORH'AI • MM!

wu'k between a British Captain* and liis firsl Lieutenant
(whether they were of the Diligence or nol I don't recoiled
which proved fatal to the Captain, whowasa relative of Gov.
Tryon'9 Lady, The Lieutenant who was severely wounded,
was immediately arrested and thrown into prison to await his
trial. I [e was accordingly arraigned before Judge Berrj of New-
bern, tri*.<l convicted and condemned to the no small gratifi-
cation of Gov. Tryon, who used all his influence against him.
ore the day of execution arrived, which was fixed by the
Court at a remote period, he made his escape and returned to
England where through the aid of his friends he was acquitted.
Judge Berry immediately upon his own return to Newbern
committed suicide; an event which excited the surprise, aston-
ishment and regret of all who knew him, tor he was a talented,
amiable and useful man. With respect to my father, his
character is doubtless known to you, as he was connected with
the executive and Judiciary departments of the State, and
his arts as such form a part of the History of the Com-
monwealth. He was one of the Committee of Safety and is
the only member of that body of whom I am sure. My brother,
John Baptista Ashe, who was my father's eldest son, entered
the army I think, as Senior Captain in General Lilling'ton's
Regiment, early in the war and was shortly after promoted to
the rank of Leut. Colonel, and saw much hard service both at
the North and at the South. At the battle of Eutaw. he
commanded a division of North Carolina troops, and remained
attached to the army until the close of the war. He then set-
tled himself in Halifax where he died about thirty years
sin<

Of myself. I have but very little to say; only that I entered
the army as a Lieutenant in the spring of 177() then but just in
my seventeenth year, I am no doubt the person you see noticed
as Lieutenant in January 1781. In April 1780 I went to
Charleston and joined the army under the command of Gen-
eral Lincoln and was made prisoner on the capture of that
City about the "2th of May. 1880, and experienced alonjjf and
painful captivity of about fourteen months. Afterwards I was
shipped to old Jamestown in Virginia, was there exchang*ed

• The duel was between Captain Alexander Simpson and Lieutenant
Thomas Whitehursl <>f H. M. ship Viper. Whitehurst was killed. Simp-
son escaped but afterwards surrendered, was convicted of manslaughter
and branded. (For the true account sec Waddell's Colonial Officer, p.

124 The University Record

and ordered to join Gen. LaFayette, with whom I remained
but a short time; but was tog-ether with the rest of the North
Carolina exchanged troops attached to Gen. Greene's Divi-
sion with whom I continued until the close of the war.

Sam. Ashe.
August 23, 1833.

Notes.

Col. Ashe says of the Moore settlement of Cape Fear that
it was the third. He may mean the New England attempt,
the Yeamans attempt and Maurice Moore's, or he may mean
that there was an attempt in 1711.

There is on file at Beaufort town, a grant to Burrington,
July 30, 1725 for land at Rocky Point, (Stag Park) 5000 acres
which in the deed is stated "to have been taken up in 1711".
There was an extension from Beaufort precinct south between
1708 and 1713. Major Maurice Moore bought lots in Beaufort
in 1713. (He is described as of "South Carolina"; His sons
Gen. James Moore and Judge Maurice Moore died on the same
day.

See Gen. George Davis' Address.

Col. Ashe speaks of the provincial Congress as being a
Legislature.

He mentions that Gen. James Moore was Governor of S,
C. at the time of our Indian insurrection; that is an error.

S. A. A.

EXTRACTS FROM AN ADDRESS BY COL. JAS. G. BURR

In the Opera House in Wilmington, February 3, \ 890,
on "The Old Churchyard of St. James."

Colonel James Green Burr was at his death one of the old-
est citizens of Wilmington. He was of antiquarian tastes
and very learned in regard to the history of Wilmington.
Horn in its limits in 1818, he was educated in the City
Grammar School, and then was clerk and cashier of the Bank of
Cape Fear for about forty years. During- the Civil war he was for
a time Aid-de-Camp to Governor Vance, with the rank of Colo-
nel, and was subseqnently Colonel of the Home Guard of
elderly men. After the war he engaged in banking business
for awhile and was subsequently employed by the County as an
accountant. Up to bis death he wrote frequently and some-
times lectured about the history of Wilmington and its leading
men. He was a communicant and vestryman of St. James'
Church, (Episcopal).

I hope it will not be regarded as presumptuous if I invite you
to accompany me in a ramble to our oldest city of the dead,
the venerable churchyard of St. James. There may perhaps
be found something to interest if not to furnish food for reflec-
tion. It is one of the oldest localities in the city, dating back
to 1751, nearly a hundred and forty years ago. At that time
the corner of Market and Fourth Street was where the old
Church formally stood, and a portion of which was used as a
burying ground, was given to St. James Church by Michael
tiig-gins, one of the original settlers of the town, and to his
bounty the people of Wilmington have been indebted for the
ground which for SO many years formed the last resting place
of their departed relativesand friends.

Some years ago, in the Spring time of the year it was, and
Long before the presenl so-called improvements had been made

126 The University Record

upon the grounds, I strolled into the old burial place of the
dead. It is a sacred spot, and one can learn a lesson of the
vanity of life from the still remaining- record of those who
after "life's fitful fever sleep well" within its hallowed pre-
cincts. It is now almost deserted and greatly chang-ed,
but at the time of my visit, tall trees waved their untrimmed
branches over the graves of those who once trod our streets,
the rank undergrowth grew over and above many an old sand-
stone slab, bearing- a brief notice of the last resting place and
virtues of the departed. It was towards the close of the day,
and the mild beams of the sun shone with tempered radiance.
Here — there, all around me the graves of those who in former
years carried life and it may be happiness within the social
circle.

But my object is not to moralize, but to go back into the
past and call up a few personalities in connection therewith.

Thomas Godfrey, the son of the inventor of the quadrant,
and the author of the first dramatic work written in America,
lies buried in that old churchyard. His grave is undistin-
guished from those of the numerous congreg-ation of the dead
sleeping around him. Time has long since levelled the in-
cumbent sod and no stones were erected to mark the spot
where his ashes repose. The memorials of him are few.

He was born in Philadelphia in 1736, received a common ed-
ucation and was apprenticed to a watchmaker. In 1758 he was
appointed Lieutenant in the Pennsylvania forces raised for the
expedition to Fort Du Quesne, the site of the present city of
Pittsburg. On the disbanding- of the troops, he removed to.
this place and entered into business as a merchant -and a fac-
tor. He lived here about five years during which time he
wrote his tragedy, "The Prince of Parthia," also the "Court
of Fancy", modelled after Chaucer's "House of Fame." He
died August 3, 1763, being- only twenty-seven years old. The
Prince of Parthia was the first dramatic work written in
America. Extracts from this play may be found in Duyckink's
Cyclopedia of Literature.

Godfrey spent his summers at Masonboro Sound, and was
hig-hly esteemed for his many good qualities. He wrote a
piece upon Masonboro and many others of local interest,
which survived for years in the recollection of the people of
this sectiou but which have long- since been forgotten.
In the year 1783 an Irish gentleman with his wife and two young
children started from Ireland for America. Landing- first at

James Sprunt Historical Monograph 127

Charleston they sojourned in thai period tor a brief period
only and then removed to Wilmington. Within a year alter
their arrival here their parents sickened and died, the old
churchyard received their mortal remains, and the helpless
little on left to the cold charity <>t the world. One of

those orphaned children, but five years old when deprived of
the watchful guardianship and gentle care of his parents,
was Johnston Blakely. He "who tempers the wind to the
shorn lamb" watched over that helpless boy and raised up a
friend in the person of Edward Jones, subsequently Solicitor
General of the State, himself an Irishman and possessing those
generous impulses so characteristic of that people. He adopted
the boy, directed his education and was a father unto him.
In the year 1800 young- Bakely then nineteen years of age
was appointed mid-shipman in the United States Navy. His
abilities soon won rapid promotion and the war of 1812 devel-
oped the inherent heroism of his character.

In 1814 he was appointed to the command of the Sloop of
War, Wasp, and early in June of that year appeared off the
English coast and announced his presence by the capture of the
English Ship of War, Reindeer, after an action of but fif-
teen minutes. His success in that brief and brilliant cruise
electrified the country, and his name was on every lip, and
a grateful people were prepared to welcome back the youthful
hero and bestow fresh honors upon him. But alas, he
returned no more. On the 4th of November 1814 the Brig
Atlanta arrived at Savannah, Ga., with dispatches from
Blakely for the government, and that was the last authentic
information ever received of him. Whether he foundered at
or went down amid the roar of battle was never known,
the restless ocean gave no sign nor did the wild winds syllable
the mystery of his fate.

Thus perished at the early age of 33 years, Johnston
Blakely, one of the most gallant officers of the United States
Navy and around whose name a romantic interest still clings
on account of his youth and the mystery of his fate. By his
marriage31' in 1813 he had one child, a daughter named Udney
and on the 27th of December 1816 the General Assembly of
North Carolina unanimously resolved that the child of Blakely

♦The widow of Blakely married a second time a Dr. Abbott of Santa
i and remored to that place taking her daughter with her who mar-
ried in lsti Baron von Qretton, M. D. and in 1842 died without is>u»\

128 The University Record

should be educated at the expense of the State which resolve
was faithfully carried out.

The name of Blakelv is dear to the people of North Caro-
lina, but I hold that we of this section are more closely con-
nected with him than all others, for he may well be classed
among- our most distinguished sons. This was his home in
America- — in our old churchyard the bones of his ancestors
have long since mouldered into dust.f It was in thHs ancient
borough that his infant years were passed and where he grew
into lusty youth until he went forth into the world to shed
a lustre upon his country's history and to write his name full
high upon the scroll of fame, and surely I think we have
the right to claim for our good old town a portion of the glory
which encircles the name of that orphan boy of the lower
Cape Pear.

In the northeast corner of this same old churchyard, Corne-
lius Harnett sleeps the sleep of death. The spot is marked
by a red sandstone on which is inscribed the following,

"Cornelius Harnett, died April 24, 1781,
Slave to no sect, he took no private road,
But looked up through nature to natures God.*s

Such is the brief and artless biography written by the men of
1781, of the first Provincial Councillor of the State, the first
metnber of the Provincial Assembly from the borough of Wil-
mington, elected to that body by the unanimous vote of the
people, and one of the three delegates from North Carolina,
who signed the original Articles of Confederation of the
United States. His beautiful home at Hilton on the North-
east branch of the Cape Fear River, embosomed in a grove of
majestic oaks and luxuriant cedars was the seat of a refined
hospitality. It was there that the brave hearts of olden times
met together to listen to his words of wisdom and to take fresh
courage from his example. It was there that he, Josiah Quincy
of Massachusetts and Robert Howe of Brunswick held confer-
ence in reg-ard to public affairs and devised plans for the suc-
cess of that cause to which they had pledged their fortunes
and their lives. Quincy'in his diary mentions this meeting
and writes in warm tones of Harnett, styling him the "Sam-

i Some years before entering the navy, Blakely lived with his guardian,
Solicitor General Jones, in Chatham County. He was a student of the
University but left before graduating in consequence of the destruction of
of his property in Wilmington by fire.

Jamk- Simmm Bistork m Monograph 180

Adams "i North Carolina. He was hold, eloquenl and
incorruptible, the representative man oi Cape Pear, and such
was the influence he wielded that when Sir Henry Clinton is-
sued his proclamation ol amnesty to the citizens oi North
Carolina on the 5th of May, 1 776, dated on board of the Pallas
transport then lying in the Cape Fear River there were but
two nanus exempted from its benefits, Cornelius Harnett and
Robert Howe of Brunswick.

He did not live to enjoy the triumph of the cause to which he
•was so devoted. While Lying sick at the bouse <d a friend
on the Newberne road he was captured by a party senl
out i>\ Major Craig1, the British Commandant oi the
town. His merciless captors compelled him to walk until he
sank to throround Iroin utter exhaustion, then they threw him
like a sack of meal across the back of a horse and tints brought
hint into Wilmington. The effect of such treatment upon a
system enfeebled by disease could have no other than a fatal
result, he sank under it, and the old churchyard of St. James
contains .ill that was mortal of the first scholar, statesman
and patriot of the age in which he lived.

I cannot say his resting- place has been neglected, for the
old red sandstone marks the place of his repose and points the
pilgrim to his narrow bed. At the time I visited it, two aged
china-trees waved their branches above him and two stalwart
oalcs shaded his remains from the eastern and western sun,
while the fox flower in rich luxuriance grew lightly above his
breast. In the days of the Revolution he was a terror to the
mother country and In these later days the Legislature of the
State has honored his memory by assigning his name to the
county of Harnett, created from the county of Cumberland, a
county whose fair proportions were shorn once before in
making the county of Moore, which was also named after a
distinguished son of New Hanover.

Among the many brilliant young men who shone in Wilming-
ton society many years ago were two, particularly distinguish-
ed for intelligence, culture and many attributes. Between them
an intimacy had existed From boyhood and had ripened into
an affection closer than that of a brother. They were lovers
oi pleasure, and their circumstances in life were such as to
enable them to gratify any reasonable desire or fancy. Like
most young men of the day they indulged in the sports of the held
but not toan injurious exc ;ss, and took pleasure in giving em-
ployment toothers frequently without calculating the cost to
themselves. At a pleasant gathering at their rooms one even-

130 The University Record

itig- of many of the young- men of the town the conversation
turned upon the existence of a man after death and whether
if he really existed, he had the power to return to earth and
make his presence known. After the company had dispersed
the two friends continued the discussion in which they were
greatly interested and at parting- it was agreed between them
that the one first called away would if possible reveal himself
to the survivor. A very short time after the agreement had
been made, one of the parties were called to sudden death,
having- been thrown from hishorse while riding in the woods.
Every effort was made to restore him to life but in vain, and
the following- day his remains were interred in the old bury-
ing- ground of St. James.

His sudden and untimely death cast a deep gloom over the
community for he was greatly esteemed, but to his friend the
shock was terrible and, like Rachel mourning for her chil-
dren, he refused to be comforted. A short time after the fun-
eral, while sitting in his room in the darkening twilight,
weary of the world and sorrowing for his departed friend,
that friend suddenly stood before him and gazing sadly in his
face said, "how could you let me be buried when I was not
dead." "Not dead," exclaimed the- survivor horror struck.
"No, I was not," replied his visitor, "open the coffin and you
will see I am not lying in the position in which you placed me,"
and vanished immediately. The survivor was a man of nerve
and not easily excited, and though startled as any one would
naturally be at such an occurrence was not at all inclined to
believe in its reality but attributed it to a morbid condition of
his nervous system or the wild vagaries of a distempered ima-
gination. The next evening however at the same hour, and
again on the ensuing evening the apparation appeared with
the same mournful query, "how could you let me be buried
when I was not dead."

Three times this vision appeared to him on three successive
evenings and he could no longer bear the strain upon his ner-
vous system and the agony that weighed upon his mind. At
all hazard he determined to exhume the body and satisfy
himself as to the truth or the falsity of the statement
of his supernatural visitor. Calling to his assistance a
gentleman on whom he could rely, they together proceeded
under cover of night to the grave and commenced their work.
Nature was in harmony with their thoughts and feelings for
for it was a night well calculated to excite emotion and make
their pulses throb with a wilder beat. The clouds hung

.1 VMKs Sl'KI \ I UlSTolih VI u»n I'il

bleak and lowering overhead, the wind in htinl gusts moaned
through the branches oJ the trees and scattered in wild
confusion the dr.nl leaves which had gathered upon
many a tomb within thai sacred spot. No twinkling st

looked down upon them From above, and no mortal e
there to witness their proceedings; no sign of life in any shape
or form was heard save the mournful hooting of the owl as it
Bitted from limi> to limb. In the stillness of the midnight
hour, t<>r not a word was spoken and scarce a breath was drawn,
amidst the darkness and the gloom that weighed upon them
like a pall and with the clammy moisture clinging to their
garments they shovelled out the earth until al length the cof-
fin was exposed. Carefully unscrewing the ltd, with reveren-
tial awe they raised it up, and with hated breath and quiver-
ing nerves he, to whom the vision appeared, threw the light
from a dark lantern full upon the body as it lay full exposed
to view. "Merciful God!" he cried • ith horror as he gazed
upon his dead friend lying upon his face.

This is no fancy sketch I have drawn, ladies and gentlemen,
but the simple statement of a fact, which is vouched for by
parties whose veracity is unimpeachable. I remember well,
when a child, listening to the voice of my mother as she re-
lated this circumstance which I have attempted to describe.
In alter years and in my mature manhood she frequently
repeated it to me. It was made known to her by the chief
actor in the scene, who was her near relative and with whom
she was on terms of affectionate intimacy, and it has been
confirmed in every particular by the late venerated Presi-
dent of the Ladies Benevolent Society who so recently lapsed
from earth to her rest among the saints. T trust I violate
none of the proprieties when I quote the following note I
Lved from her some time since.

"Mr. Burr, the incident I spoke of months ago happened in
my early youth and made an impression on my childish mind
as I beard it related to my mother by an intimate friend of one
ol the parties. The one who stated the fact to my mother had
been the companion by night in the graveyard search, and
spoke of the horror of having seen the body lying in the posi-

i n i u ♦ ■ i k. .locclvn was the one who died, and appeared to his
friend Alexander, <>r as be was familiarly oaHed, Sandy Hostler. The one
who assisted Hostler in opening the grave was Lewis Toomer, Esq.
vn was th • son of the great equity lawyer of the same name.

132 The University Record

tion in the coffin indicated in the vision. It was made known
to but very few on account of surviving- relatives. Yours, C.
G. Kennedy."

If the circumstance I have here mentioned stood alone and
was not verified by similar instances in the history of the
human race I would not regard it worthy of notice however
well sustained by testimony it might be, but as it constitutes
a link in a chain of events that has claimed the attention of the
thoughtful in all the ages of the world, it furnishes, I think,
food for serious reflection. What explanation can be given in
regard to this fact which I have narrated?

There is another remarkable circumstance connected with
that old churchyard which occurred nearly sixty years ago but
which I can only glance at for reasons which will doubtless
be understood. In the summer of 1833 a communication
appeared in a newspaper published in a northern city which
communication was sent from this town and entitled t4a true
narrative" and which, among- other matters, charged that there
were thirty-eight regular da}' drunkards in the then small
town of Wilmington. This publication caused intense feeling
among those who were at all addicted to dissipation. Some
of them met together on Sunday evening and after imbibing
freely and indulging in reckless remarks adjourned to meet
again on the following Sunday, but on the ensuing Saturday
two of this number were dead and were buried the next day.
On the following Saturday another died and was followed to
the grave on Sunday by his boon companions. During the
interment some of the parties commented on the singularity
of these deaths and the question was asked, "Who will go
next?" One of them laughingly responded, "I will." On their
return from the grave of their associate they stopped at a
drinking saloon and as the wine cup passed freely around the
question, as to who would die next and when, was discussed
again. He who had volunteered at the grave again said he
would go next Saturday and was called upon to name one to
follow him on the ensuing- week which he did and the party so
chosen agreed to the arrangement.

Just as they volunteered, so they died, one, two, three. In
a day or two the first one was taken sick and on Saturday was
dead. As soon as it became known that he had died on that
day, the other who agreed to follow him the ensuing week
was taken to his bed. He made the strongest promises of
reformation, offered all his possessions for life, life in any

James Sri; i ni EbsTOBJ U ItOVOQBAPri 188

form, poverty, misery, starvation, only life. But it was too
fate, be bad made aconvenanl with death and the grave and
claimed him for their own. When the rising sun of the
ensuing Saturday broke upon the town, it shone upon him
sinking in death, and ere it reached its zenith he was a i orpse.
On Sunday the funeral bell again tolled forth as he was borne
to the grave.

These remarkable occurences naturally created much excite-
ment at the time, and were regarded bymanyasa directexhibi-
tion ol the awful providence of (i<>d as manifested in the par-
ticular identity thai marked the circumstances of their demise.
tlie\ having all died on Saturday and having been buried on
Sunday. They also furnished a fruitful theme for the advo-
cates of temperance, and it was used very freely then which
gave rise to bitter controversies in the newspapers of the day.
The facts of the deaths could not be controverted or denied,
and I have alluded to the matter not with any desire to awaken
bitter memories or to revive recollections that have long- been
buried, but simply as a remarkable occurrence connected with
the local history of the town.

Many years ago there was an association of the ladies of St.
James parish known as the Ladies Sewing Society, org-anized
for charitable purposes and which through a series of years
scattered its benefactions with a liberal hand over every part
of the diocese of North Carolina. As evidence of what was
accomplished by this Society, I will state that the proceeds of
their labor, working only one afternoon in each week from
1S22 when the Society was formed to 1843 amounted to more
than $4,500. In 1832 an eligible lot was purchased by the
Society and the present rectory building provided for the
minister. For that important measure the parish is indebted
almost entirely to the ladies of that Society. It was a noble
charity and like the present associations of our noble women,
every way worthy of our admiration and should be
held in lasting remembrance.

It was incorporated by the General Assembly in 1833 and
authorized to hold property. Upon the lot which they pur-
chased, adjoining the old churchyard and immediately in the
rear of the present church building a commodious hall for the
purpose a free school, and known for years as Society Hall,
wa9 subsequently erected by the munificence of the late Gov-
ernor Edward B. Dudley and P. K. Dickinson, Esq., and pre-
ed to the Societv.

It has been used for a variety of purposes since. The

134 The University Record

services of the Church were conducted there during* the erec-
tion of the present church edifice of St. James. When the
Court House was destroyed in the great lire of 1840, it was
there that the seat of justice was established and courts of law
and equity held. . Its walls have echoed the shouts of excited
partisans at many a political gathering, and at a later period
the heavy tramp of armed men has been heard drilling for
that fearful clash of arms between the States which shook
the earth and appalled the nations of the world.

About the first public use made of the house was in the
Spring of 1833. At that time a fair was gotten up by the
ladies for some charitable object of the church and as it was
the first event of its kind in Wilmington great interest was
manifested by all classes the old as well as the young. It
was a complete success in every way and the amount realized
was astonishingly large. Who that parcipitated in that gor-
gous scene will ever forget the beauty and the charm of its
surroundings? I can remember, though but a youngster at
the time, the many tables tastefully arranged around the
room and laden with the choicest specimens of art. The
genius of the painter was excited side by side with the triumphs
of the modiste, nature and art vied with each other to add bril-
liancy to the occasion and all that could please the eye or cap-
tivate the fancy was displayed in profusion around. It was a
scene of enchantment. Fair women in gorgeous toilettes
moved gracefully around with glistening eyes, and smiles that
caused many a pulse to throb with a quickening beat; the per-
fume of a thousand flowers stole gently upon the scenes and
voluptuous music ravished the ear and heightened the glow
of delight.

I may be pardoned, I hope, if I indulge for a moment in a
slight personal retrospection in connection with the fair. I
was then young and, like all youths at that period of life,
was desperately smitten with a dark eyed little one who was
assisting a middle-aged lady at one of the tables. I had deter-
mined to invest my entire capital in a present for the object
of my idolatry, and read in the only newspaper published in
the town a long list in rhyme of the articles offered for sale
and had settled upon a particular one which I meant to pur-
chase and present to her, though I had no idea what the arti-
cle was. A few rhymes still linger in memory and ran thus:

"Come and buy, come and buy, we have every thing rare,
Ever pictured by fancy or modelled by care,

James Si'kini Hisn.i;n-\i. Monookai-m 156

All that's useful or novel, of pretty or plain,
Has been gathered and ordered jroiu bounty to gain.
"Come and bu and buy, all ye belles that love slaughter.

We have gloves, tans fate ladies and Florida water.

We have parasols, pearl ponder, pincushions, paper,
And glasses to twig the beau through as they caper.

"Come and buy, come and buy, we have fancy wood casketts,
Veils, vinegar scented, and bright alum basketts,
We have butterflies, buttons, knives, rasors and bodkins,
Tongs, souvenirs, scissors and 'flexible odd things'.*1

The euphony ol that last article struck my fancy although I
had no idea what ''flexible odd things" were, I determined
to purchase them and present them to my sweetheart. So
to the table I marched behind which she stood by the
side of the middle-aged lady, and boldly inquired the price of
the "flexible odd things." I wanted one I added for
a present for a young- lady, and I cast a tender glance at the
little one with dark eyes and raven locks. The words had
scarcely passed my lips before I saw that I had blundered, but
how, I knew not, but the blush that crimsoned her cheeks
showed that her delicacy had been offended. "You impudent
scamp," said the middle-aged matron, "how dare you ask a
young- girl for such an article as that!" "Madam," I replied
with a face as red as the little one's, "I beg- pardon, but please
tell me what it is, for I really know nothing- about it or its
uses," "You spooney," she replied, "beg-one and find out."
But as I turned to leave she stooped towards me and whispered
in my ear, "It is what gentlemen seldom use as they don't
wear long- stockings." The secret was out, I had plunged
head foremost into the mysteries of a lady's toilette, had run
against a snag and had no insurance. My ignorance was no
excuse for I ought to have known better and I well deserved
to have applied to me that caustic line, "fools rush in where
angels fear to tread."

However, the storm blew over and we were again on good
terms with each other very soon, but as we grew older our
paths in life diverged, each formed different connections, and
alas for the remembrance of youth, the little dark-eyed houri,
who was then the bright particular star of my existence, is
and has been for years, an honored grand mother, while
the verdant youth, who was such a veritable know-nothing in
those days, now, in the "lean and slippered pantaloons" still
rs on towards the end with lengthening shadows gather-
ing around him.

APPENDIX.

One of the Commissions given by William and Mary, King
and Queen of England to Captain Louis de Rosset is given in
full below. He was descended from an ancient noble family
in South France, members of which from time to time had
served the French Government. He himself was a Lieutenant
in its army, prior to the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in
1685. He sacrificed a considerable fortune by adhering to his
religion and emigrating from his native land.

William R.

William & Mary, King and (Jueen of England, Scotland,
France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc: To our trusty
and well beloved Lewis -de Rosset, Esq., Greeting. We, re-
posing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty Cour-
age & good conduct do by these presents constitute and ap-
point you to be Captain of that company whereof Captain of
grenadiers Rene' de la Fucille was Captain in the Regiment of
Foot commanded by Our Trusty and Well beloved Colonell de
la Caillemorte. You are therefore to take the said Company
into vour Care and Charge and duely to exercise as well the
Officers as Soldiers thereof in amies and to use your best en-
deavor to keep them in good order and discipline. And we
hereby Command them to obey you their Captain and you to
observe and follow such orders and directions from time to
time, as you shall receive from Us, your Colonell or any your
superior officers according to the Rules and Discipline of Warr
in pursuance of the trust We hereby repose in you. Given at
Our Court the 1st day of April 1689 in the first year of the
Reigne. By his Majtys Command

Shrewsbery.

THE SWIFT JOURNAL.

The extracts from General Swift's Journal were made by
Mr. Harrison Ellery, a relative. He aimed at publishing
what is of peculiar interest to the inhabitants of the Lower
Cape Fear.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

No. 5

Minutes of the Kehukey Association

I BAPTIST

With Letter of Joel Battle Fort, and with Introduc-
tion and Notes by Kemp Plummer Battle, LL*D«

PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY

1904

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
CHAPEL HILL

INTRODUCTION.

The History of the Kehukee Baptist Association was first
published in L803 by Elders Lemuel Burkitl and Jesse Read,
ministers of the Gospel in Northampton and Halifax Counties
in North Carolina. It was republished in 1834 by Elder Jo-
seph Biggs, Pastor of the Baptisl Church at Skewarkey, under
the supervision of a committee appointed by the Association,
and the history brought down to the later date. Neither of
these volumes contain the first minutes of the Old Kehukey
(or Kehukee) Baptist Association org-anized before the Revo-
lutionary War. We are fortunate in having- procured them
from a descendant of one of the early members residing- in
Robertson County, Tennessee. We print them with the old-
time spelling-.

According to Burkitt and Read's book most of the churches
before they were united in an Association were "General
Baptists", adhering to Free-will doctrines, under the preach-
ing of Elders Paul Palmer and Joseph Parker and their sue-
Then the Philadelphia Baptist Association sent two
of their ministers, Vanhorn and Miller, of New Jersey, to visit
North Carolina. They and their followers were called New
Lights, They were g-enerally cordially received. Those
who believed in their doctrines adopted the confession of
faith published in London in 1689, containing- 32 articles,
the foundation of the Philadelphia and the Charleston
iations. By means of these ministers the greater part
Of the North Carolina Baptists became Regulars. The
churches thus reformed entered into the Kehukee Association
in the year 17<>(>. Burkitt and Read mention as members spme
who were not present in the first organization, viz.. Elders
John Thomas, John Burges, William Burges, Charles Daniel,
William Walker. Thomas Pope and Henry Abbott. Kehukee
meeting-house was on a creek pf the same name in the south-

4 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

eastern part of Halifax County, emptying- into the Roanoke.

The Kehukee Association is composed of those now known
as Primitive Baptists. In 1826 those known as Reformed
Baptists issued a circular, which was referred to the
churches of the Association. In 1827, at the meeting- of
the Association, according- to Elder Joseph Biggs, "it was
agreed that we discard all Missionar}^ Societies, Bible Socie-
ties and Theological Seminaries and the practices heretofore
resorted to for their support, in begging money from the pub-
lic." * * "believing these societies and institutions to be
the inventions of men and not warranted from the Word of
God." Non-fellowship was also declared against joining the
fraternity of Masons.

The first State Convention of those who are sometimes
called the Missionary Baptists was held at*Greenville in 1803-

I learn from Rev. Pleasant D. Gold, an able and honored
Elder, or preacher, of this denomination, that the first Kehu-
kee Church was about three miles east of Scotland Neck.
About fifteen years ago the old house was sold and a new
church built about one mile from that town. There are now
about forty churches in the Kehukee Association. Eider
Silvester Hassell is the Moderator. The territory includes
Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax, part of Pitt, Washing-ton, Beau-
fort, Hyde, Tyrrell and Pasquotank.

Some of the leading- preachers, or elders at present are
Elders Silvester Hassell, G. D. Roberson, Samuel Moore, M.
T. Lawrence (a grandson of Elder Joshua Lawrence), N. H.
Harrison, Charles Meats, M. B. Willeford, Jordan Johnson
and J. D. Armstrong. Mr. Gold is not a member of this
Association, but has been pastor of the church at the Falls of
Tar River for thirty years.

The Kehukee is the oldest Association of the Primitive
Baptists in North Carolina and one of the oldest in the
United States, those of Philadelphia and Charleston only
being older.

Kemp P. Battle.

* In the charter spelt Greeneville.

LETTER FROM 'JOEL B. FORT.

In the year 1789, Elias Fori and wife Sarah, with his sons
William, Josiah, and Sugg Port, Emigrated from Edgecombe

County, North Carolina, Seeking homes in the then unsettled
far West.

Josiafa and William brought their families with them.
Sugg Port was married in Tennessee and was a number of

years and until his death a Baptist Minister. In the separa-
tion oi the Missionary Baptists from the Primitive Baptists
which was occasioned by the preaching- of Eld. Ruben Ross
who came from Edgecombe County, N. C. a short time after
the Port emigration. Elder Sugg Fort sided with Father
Ross and preached for the Missionary Baptists till his death
in 1826.

The emigrant company in 1789, when they reached Knox-
ville, employed Gen. Andrew Jackson to guard them and pro-
tect them against the attacks by Indians over the Cumber-
land Mountains and as far as Nashville. Elias Fort and his
sons passed Nashville and settled on the waters of Red River
near the mouth of Sulphur Fork Creek where the village of
Port Royal now stands. They entered large tracts of land,
some of which has continued to descend from father to son to
the present time. During the long journey over the moun-
tains and to Nashville, a strong- and lasting friendship was
Cemented between the Fort family and Gen. Jackson. Later
on in 17(>o. William Fort and Gen. Jackson met as Mem-
bers of the "First Constitutional Convention of Tennessee"
at Knoxville, and old ties were so strengthened and confidence
eng-endered that William Fort made his last will and testa-
ment naming Gen. Andrew Jackson as his executor.

His will is on record in Minute book No. 1 in the County
Gourt of Robertson County, Tennessee. William Fort passed

6 Jamks Sprunt Historical Monograph

away before "Old Hickory" became the hero of New Orleans
and the idol of the Nation.

Red River Church was organized at the mouth of "Sulphur
Fork on Red River, District of 2Mero, Tennessee County on the
5th day of July 1791 by Ambrose Dudley and John Taylor,"
Minute Book, Red River Church, page 1.

These Baptist Ministers aud devout servants of God rode on
horseback carrying their scanty wearing apparel, Bible and
Hymn Books in their saddle bags along the Indian trail over
the plains, through the unbroken forests, and as they jour-
neyed for the first time, the hymns of praise sung from fer-
vent souls echoed through the primeval woodland.

On April 27, 1794, the Minutes of Red River Church show:

"Received Klias Fort and his wife Sarah by letter of recom-
mendation from the Baptist Church of Christ, near the falls
of Tar River in Nash and Edgecombe Counties, North Caro-
lina." In the back of this old book, sear in leaf and worn of
cover, will be found the first Minutes of Old Kehukey Baptist
Association, organized before the Revolutionar}^ War, with
Elisha Battle, Elias Fort and William Horn as delegates from
Tar River Church. The Minutes are recorded *each year till
1777, and the place of meeting selected for 1778. But no more
is recorded. It is to be presumed that, in the perilous times
when the infant nation was fighting for life and existence,
those devout people found little time or opportunity to
assemble and worship as they had done in the past. After
the Minutes cease in 1777, a family record of the Fort family
is found, showing that the book fell into the hands and safe
keeping of that family and was thus delivered by them to the
first Church organized in Tennessee, to be used as a Minute
book. The Minutes of said church are therein recorded till
1826. My correspondence with Dr. H. B. Battle revealed the
loss of this much of the history of the old Kehukey Associa-
tion which I cheerfully supply. I have the old book in my
possession and am careful of its preservation. The copy I

* Except 1775. Sec page 25.

Jamba Bpkunt Historical Monogbaph 7

furnish is an ex&Ct COpJ of the original, which, if as int.

big to those wii<> mav ( liaoce to read as it lias been and is yti
tome, will entirely repay me fot tnSking the cbpj for Dr.

Battle.

Joel B. Kokt.
Adams, Tenn.

Mar. 21st, 1903.

MINUTES KEHUKEY ASSOCIATION,

NOV. 6th, 1769 TO J777.

The Sixth day of November Anno Domini 1769 A Consid-
erable number of Baptists Ministers and Brethren met at
Kehukey in the County of Hallifax and province of North
Carolina to Consult about the expediency of An Association
and the Manner of Conducting- it to the advantage of the
Churches. The issue of the Meeting- was adopting the plat-
form and Sentiments of the Philadelphia Association and
thereon forming themselves into a like Body. The Churches
that incorporated this year is the Church at Kehukey in Hal-
lifax County, the Church at3 Tossneot, and Tar River in
Edgecomb County and the Church in Bertie and the Church
in Pitt County.

The Sentiments Concerning an Association, that such an
Association is useful and beneficial, are first Union and Com-
munion among- themselves Maintaining more effectually the
order and faith once delivered to the Saints, having- advice in
cases of doubt, helps in distress &c.

Secondly, that such an Association is consistant with the
independency of particular Churches because it pretends to be
no more than an advisory Counsel, Disclaiming Superiority,
Jurisdiction, Coercive right or infallibility.

Thirdly, that an Association should consist of Men Know-
ing and Judicious especially in Scriptures. And now in Con-
currence with the above Sentiments We whose names are
hereunto Subscribed being met tog-ether, as we trust in fear
of God and having- a desire to promote the glory of God and
the good of his Church, We have unanimously united and
joined ourselves tog-ether in an Association.

Minutes oi Kkhuk rroN

CHUKCHBS*

Krhukvs

Berti.
Tar River

Tossneot
Pitt

Ml I'S.

4John Meglamoi

JeSSie Andrews.

Thomas Witherby.
James Abbington.
EJphram Daniel.
James Vinson.
John Moore.
6EHsha Battle.
Elias Fort.
"Win. Horn.
8Jonathan Thomas.
Jeremiah Robin.
John Nobell.

PLAN OF ASSOCIATION.

1. The Association to consist only of Messengers Chosen
and Sent by the Churches. These Messengers to be their
Ministers (for reason given in Sentiment 3) together with
some Judicious brethren, their expenses to be borne by the
Churches which send them.

2nd. With the Messengers the Churches send letters ad-
dressed to the Association, in these letters mention is made
of the names of the Messengers and their authority to act for
their Churches, also the State of the Church touching their
peace, their increase by Baptism and by letters dismission and
commendatory from other Churches, touching their disminua-
tion by death, excommunication and dismission to other
Churches, and the present number of members. If any ques-
tions are to be put to the Association, any advice to ask, or
any business to propose, these are to be expressed in said
letters.

3rd. All matters to be determined in this Association by
the sufferage of the Messengers, except what are determin-

10 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

able by Scripture, such matters are never put to the decision
of votes. All that speak are to address the Moderator, who
is to take care that none are to be interrupted while speak-
ing, and that no other indecorum take place.

4th. Churches are to be received into this association by
petition setting forth their desire to be admitted, their faith,
order and willingness to be conformable to the rules of the
Associated body. When a petition is read and matters
ripened for a vote, the Moderator states the question, suffer-
age being given in favor of the petition, the said Moderator
declares that such a Church is received into the Association
in token of which he gives the Messengers the right hand of
fellowship and bids them take their seats.

5th. The Association to meet annually at Kehukey Meet-
ing house on Monday next after the first Sunday in August
and to continue till business be finished, it is to be opened
with divine Service, after which a Moderator and Clerk are
Chosen, the letters from the Churches are read the names of
the Messengers are written that they may be called over after
Meetings, then business is attended to and Minutes thereof
made. A circular letter to the Churches is made and signed
and a copy of it sent to every Church containing the Minutes
of the association, the States of the Churches when and by
whom Services are to be supplied, who to preach the next
association Sermon, and whatever else is needful for the
Churches to know.

6th The faith and order of this Association are expressed
in a confession put forth by upwards of a hundred congrega-
tions in Great Britain in the year 1689 and adopted by the
Association of Philadelphia in 1742. Some of the principles
in said Confession are, the imputation of Adam's Sin to his
posterity, the inability of man to recover himself, effectual
Calling by Sovereign Grace, Justification by imputed right-
eousness, Immersion for Baptism and that on profession of
faith and repentance, Congregational Churches and their

Mim Ki HI B

independency, Reception into them upon evidence ol Bound
Conversion A

Balltfai County. At an association beldal Kehukey Meet-
ing House the Mh day of November 1769.

CHURCHES.

Kehukev

Bertie

Pitt

Tar River

Tossneot

MESSENGERS PR1

John Meglamore.
William Burgess.
Jessie Andn
Thomas Wethersby.
James Abbington.
Ephratn Daniel.
Thomas Miers.
Jeremiah Rohm.
John Nobell.
John Moore.
Elisha Battle.
Elias Fort.
Wm. Horn.
Jonathan Thomas.

Received as assistants to sit in Ass'n from Fishing Creek in
*Bute County. Zachariah Thompson and Laurance Win field,
Jonathan Thomas Chosen Moderator and Elisha Battle Clerk.

Whereas Charles Daniel Minister being- charged with dis-
orderly Walking has this day by the consent of himself and
this Association Come to a legal trial and by the opinion of
said Association it is ordered that the said Charles Daniel
from henceforth is suspended from communion and silenced
from preaching until a restoration.

Hallifax County. At an Association held at Kehukey
Meeting House the Mh. day of August 1770,

* Now Warn ii

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

churches.
Tossneot

Kehukey

Bertie

Tar River

messengers present.
Jonathan Thomas.
Moses Baker.
John Meglamore.
William Burg-ess.
Livy Lancaster.
Thos. Wethersby.
James Abbington.
Thos. Miers.
Jonathan Carr.
Jessie Hart.
Klisha Battle.
William Horn.
James Wiggon.

Rec'd as assistants to sit in the Ass'n from Fishing Creek
Church Bute Co. Zachariah Thompson, William Allen, Lau-
rance Winfield.

Ques. Who was Melchezedeck according- to Hebrews the 7
Ch. 15 V's?

Ans. That he was a man according to our Judg-ments.

Ques, Is it a transgression worthy of suspension for a
church member to buy a ticket in a lottery and insist upon it
being- lawful and not sinful so to do ?

Ans. It is unlawful and worthy of suspicion.

Ques. How can God be said to repent when he is unchange-
able as in 1 Sam. 15 and 29?

Ans. Gods repenting in Gen. C. 6 we understand to be
meant the human nature of Jesus Christ the Son of God, but
in 1 Sam. 15, 29, we understand to be meant his divine nature
which cannot repent, alter or change.

Ques. Whether God did decree the possibility of an y thing
that never did nor never will come to pass?

Ans. In the Affirmative that he most Certainly did.

Upon reading a letter from Charles Daniel directed to this
Association it is agreed that John Meglamore, William Bur-

Mi ntt is ob Ki iMKi v Association

gesa and Levj Lancaster and Thos. Ovorbv u- appointed .1
committee to prepare a letter in answer to thai of the
Daniel. Ordered i»v this Association thai when a Minister
is to be ordained the Church where he resided shall call to
their assistance two ordained Ministers or more. Ordered
thai John Moore be appointed to preach the A.ss'n Sermon
next year.

Hallifax County
Meeting Bouse the

CHURCHES.

Tar River

Tossneot

Bertie

Kehukev

Pasquotank

at an Association held at the Kehukev
5th dav of Aucrust 1771.

MESSENGERS PRESENT.

John Moore.
Elias Fort.
William Horn.
Johnathan Thomas.
Moses Baker.
John Thomas.
James Abbington.
Thomas Deans.
James Vinson.
John Meg-lamore.
William Burgess.
Thos. Oveby.
Thos. Wethersbv.
James Bell.
Henry Abott.
Joseph Creeper.

Rec'd as assistants to sit in Ass'n from Win. Walkers
Church on Fishing Creek, Zachariah Thompson. Mathew
Thi)iii;is. W.n. Cook, John Meglamore rhosen Moderator,
Elias PortClerk. Henry Abett pastor of the Church in Pas-
quotank County joined himself a member of this Association
and is received as such. Jonathan Thomas motioned that
oreneral coni'eremv Hook be- road and as nianv of the

14 Jamks Sprunt Historical Monograph

Queries adopted in the Association Book as can be universally
received by the Association. The same is granted.

Ques. How doth mankind first attain to the knowledge of
moral good and evil?

Ans. By External revelation.

Ques. Whether the commission of sin or the omission of
duty among- professors is the most heinous crime?

Ans. Sins of omission or commission receive their aggra-
vation from Circumstances &c. and therefore no general
answer can properly be given which are most heinous, but we
hereby caution Christian professors against both.

Ques. Whether it is lawful for a woman to vote in con-
ference or not?

Ans. It is not.

Ques. Is it orderly for a male member in our Churches if
he finds freedom to exhort in publick or not?

Ans. We Judge it is the duty of any person who looks upon
it to be his duty to exhort his fellowmen, first to acquaint the
Church with his desire and to obtain priviledge of the Church
for that purpose.

Ques. Whether the pastor of any particular church may
lawfully leave the place of his attendance to live in a branch
of his Church distant from his former attendance?

Ans. A pastor of a Church, that is so for a limited time,
may remove any where when said time is expired, But if his
pastoral charge is for life he may not remove without the
consent of the people he was ordained over.

Ques. Is it orderly for those called regular Baptists to
commune with the -'Separate Baptist Church?

Ans. We esteem it our duty to commune with any Baptist
Church or orderly member who has the essential of Church
Communion, viz. Those whose principles in fundamentals
are not heretical and whose practices are not vicious.

Ques. What is meant by Christs Second Coming which is
so often spoken of in Scriptures?

Ans. It is his coming to Judgement.

Mini Ki m i. TION

It is agreed that, an Association fund dished and be

supported by voluntary contributions from the Se
Churches, the Bum they bestow for that purpose be specified
in their letters and sent to the Association by their Messengers
and We appoint William Burgess <>ur Treasurer during the
Associations pleasure. On motion made by Jeremiah Walker
it is agreed that delegates be appointed to attend the Sepa-
rate Baptist Association in Virginia and by a private poll
held tor that purpose, Jonathan Thomas, James Abbing-
ton and John Meglamore appointed to attend said Ass'n
the last Saturday in Sept. A motion made by Jonathan
Thomas for an occasional Association to be held tor fur-
therance of business to intervene between this and the
next annual Ass'n., it is agreed that an occasional Ass n. be.
held at Fishing- Creek Meeting House in Bute County the 3rd
Saturday in November next.

At an Association held at William Walkers Meeting house
on Fishing Creek in Bute County the loth day of Novem-
ber 1771.

CHURCHES.

Kehukey

Tossneot

Tar River

Received as assistants to sit in

M E SS K X ( ; E RS I ' B B SB N T.

John Meglamore.
William Burgess.
Thos. Oveby.
Nath'lTatum.
James Hell.
Jonathan Thomas.
John Thomas.
Ruben Hoge.
John Moore.
Elisha Battle.
Elias Fort.
Henry Horn.
Ass'n. from Fishing- Creek

16 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

Church Wm. Walker, Wm. Davis, Richard Acock, Francis
Coppe, Mathew Thomas, Zachariah Thompson, Wm. Cook,
Wm. Solymon, Wm. Allen. From Burches Creek, Va.
John Creel. From Amelia in Va. Jeremiah Walker, John
Williams, John Meglamore chosen Moderator, Jeremiah
Walker Clerk.

Proceed to business on Monday Nov. 18th. 1771.

Ques. Whether the fourth Commandment obliges Christ-
ians to observe the Sabbath in as strict a manner as it did the
Jews under that dispensation?

Ans. We hold and believe that the fourth Commandment
obliges us to observe the Sabbath as a moral precept and not
by a positive New Testament institution.

Ques. What is to be done in case a Church in communion
with us should neglect to keep up a strict discipline, according
to the word of God?

Ans. When a member of any Church is acquainted with a
member or members of any other Church in Communion the
proper way to find whether the church tolerates such members
in such practices is to deal with such a member or members
in Gospel order (if the difference be private) or bring them
before the Church (if publick) and if the Church refuses to
Censure such a member or members, he ought to inform the
Association of their proceedings and if they continue to
indulge such offenders the Association ought to expel them
from Communion and Correspondence and if they belong to
any other Association to inform the Association to which
they are joined thereof. Jonathan Thomas motioned that
the Association in the future begin and business proceeded to
on Saturday, that the Communion on the Sabbath be better
attended to, it is unanimously agreed on.

Ques. What are we to understand with respect to discip-
line by our Saviour's words to Peter "I say not till Seven
times but till Seventy times Seven" and what are the Symp-
toms of repentance in the transgressor on which this forgiv-
ness is to be founded?

MlNUTBS OF Ki in kiy ASSOCIATION

Alb. We believe thai to Peter show.

thai the times ol forgiveness are unlimited and the symptoms
of repentance ne< to forgiveness are, An ungenerous

and humble acknowledgement of the offense making the
Confession as public as the Commission and engaging for the
Future bv Divine Assistance to guard against Sin.

Oiks, [f a member of a Church Commit some Scandalous
crime publicly before the world whether it is according to the
gospel rule to reconcile such matters in a private manner by
w of the members of the Church?

Ans. B< tore the Church.

Ques. Whetlier it is a Ministers duty to forbear speaking
to open or vindicate the truth in any matter either of queries
or dispute in difference for fear some members should be
prejudiced or offended?

Ans. No.

Ques. Suppose a number of Baptized members all of the
female Sex, should dwell at a distance from any other baptist
Society, are they or are they not Justifiable in Meeting-
together to pray and edify each other in the tilings of God?

Ans. They are Justifiable.

Upon some consideration the time of holding the association
is altered and to be held at Kehukey Meeting House annually
on the Saturday next before the Second Sunday in September.

Halifax County. At an Association held at Kehnkey
Meeting House on the 12th. day of Sept. 1772.

CHURCHES.

Kehtike\

Tar 1

M BSS K N < l H K S PRESENT.

William Burgess, Past'r.
William Bishop.
Thos. Oveby.
John Moore, PastV.

Klias Fort.
Klisha Battle.
William Horn.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

Sussix.Cor'd Va. . . John Meglamore, Past'r.

Nathaniel Tatum.
Nathaniel Holt.
Richard Marks.
Jonathan Thomas, Past'r.
Moses Baker.
Nathan May.
William Walker, Pastor.
Richard Acock.
Joshua Herring, Past'r.
Major Croom.
Abraham Baker.
Zachariah Thompson,

Past'r.
Jonathan Thomas Chosen Moderator, William Andrews
Clerk.

Tossneot

Fishing- Creek

Bear Creek

Brunswick Co. Va.

Bertie

Pasquotank

Lewis Thomas.
John Bishop.
James Vinson.
Isaac Jones.
John Berry.

Proceed to business on Monday Sept. 14, 1772.

The following ministers petitioned in behalf of their
Churches to join the Association (to wit) Joshua Herring,
John Maglemore, Zachariah Thompson, and William
Walker. The Said Ministers and their Churches are rec'd
as members of sd Association, Letters from the Several
Churches read.

Motion. Is it legal for any church who is joined to an
association to leave the same and join another association
without permission from the former or not?

Answer. We conclude that it is legal nevertheless it would
be commendable for such Ministers and Churches if oppor-
tunity permitted to acquaint such Association for their
design.

MlNITKS nl Kl !! I \TION 19

Ques. II«>\v many del hall be Judged convenienl

one Chnrch to send as members to an Association?

Ans. Two from the bodv and from each branch.

Motion [s it thought necessary to address his Excellency
the Governor?

Ans. It is thought expedient.

Ordered that the following address be presented to his
Excellency the Governor.

To his Excellency Josiah Martin Esqr Governor and Com-
mander-in-chief of the Province of North Carolina.

The Humble Address of all the Ministers and Elders of the
Baptist Society, who associate annually in Hallifax County in
the Province aforesaid in behalf of themselves and many hun-
dred of their Brethren.

It is with unfeigned pleasure we acknowledge the happiness
with which we are blessed in Common with other inhabitants
of this Province under your Administration of government,
but we beg leave in a more particular manner to express our
gratified Sentiments of the protection we enjoy in exercise of
our religious and civil liberties, for which it is our duty and
shall be our constant endeavor to distinguish ourselves as
loyal Subjects to our most gracious Sovereign, and useful
members of Society. We hope this address will not be con-
sidered for a customary compliment, but a tribute of acknow-
ledgement due to your merit from the experience we have had
of your publick conduct. It is our prayer to the Almighty
that as he has placed you in a most distinguished Station he
would most eminently guide and direct you in all your actions
and bless you with prosperity here and everlasting happiness
hereafter.

led at our Association in Hallifax County Sept. 17th.
1772.

Jonathan Thomas, Moderator.
Elisha Battle. Clerk.

We appoint our Brethren Jonathan Thomas, Henry Abbot,

20 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

William Horn, Elisha Battle, John Thomas and William
Burg-ess to present this address.

To which his Excellency was pleased to make the following-
answer. To the Ministers, Elders and Brethren of the Bap-
tist Society in North Carolina.

Gentlemen: — I received with pleasure this mark of your
approbation of my publick conduct, which my duty to my Royal
Master calls upon me to make as much as possible conducive
to the happiness of his Majesty's people in this Province.
From the consciousness of steadily aiming to discharge that
duty faithfully I derive a real inward Satisfaction. The
tolerating Spirit of the Brittish Government, and the Security
it gives to the civil and religious liberties of the Subjects are
blessings of which you seem to entertain a just sense and can-
not be to highly valued. Your intended constant endeavor
to distinguish yourselves as loyal Subjects to our most grac-
ious Sovereign and useful members of the Community are
highly commendable and will be certain crowned with Suc-
cess as they shall be properly directed. I return you my
hearty thanks for your pious good wishes tome and shall hope
a continuance of them.

Josiah Martin, Gov.

Upon some consideration the Association have agreed to
meet at Kehukey Meeting House in Hallifax County and to
proceed to business on the Saturday on the first Sunday in
'August Annually.

Jonathan Thomas, Mod.
William Andrews, Clk.

At Kehukey Meeting house in Hallifax County the Asso-
ciation Met according to appointment on the 31st. day of
July 1773.

CHURCHES. MESSENGERS PRESENT.

Tar River . . . John Moore, Pastor,

Elisha Battle.
William Horn.
Daniel Ross.

Mi\

Itehukey

Pishing Creeli
Tossneot

Pasquotank

Sussix C. V;i.

Bertie

Brunswick, Va

Pungo in Va.

Win. Burge <>r.

Thus. Ousi.

; Ut.

Win. Walker, Pastor.

Jonathan Thomas, 1 '

Moses Baker.

Nathan Ma

Henry Abbot, Pastor.

John Wilson.

Lem'l Burkitt.

Wm. Lurry.

Isaac Jones.

John Meglemore, Pastor.

James Bell.

Nathaniel Holt.

Jdhn Sturgeon.

Wm. Andrews.

Shadrack Baley.

Wm. Campbell.

Wm. Connor.

John Mc'Cabe.

Zack Thompson, Pastor.

Rollin Williams.

David Borrow.

Wm. Ravies.

Buckner Lanier.

Robt. Lane.

Augustus Lane.

John Maglemore Chosen Moderator and Lemmel Burkitt
Clerk.

Letters from Several Churches rec'd.

Monday Morning August 2nd. 1773.

A regular Baptist Church at Pungo in princess Ann
County, Virginia by a letter petitioned to join the Associa-
tion, an examination finding them to be a church well regu-
lated and constituted, agreeable to gospel rules and order,

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

they are received. The present State and Standing of the
aforesaid Churches is as follows.

CHURCHES

MINISTERS

%
•2

'■+3

7
12
10
21

-t-s
as

1
I

3
©

300

100

Tar River

John Moore

Kehukey

Fishing Creek

Tossneot

Wm. Burgess

Wm. Walker

Jonathan Thomas
Henry Abbot

Pasquotank

Sussix Co. Va

John Meglamore...
Minister dead

187

Bertie

Brunswick, Va...

Zach. Thomas

100

188
76

Pungo in Va

Motion made for circular letters to be sent to their Several
Churches and agreed on.

Ques. What shall a Church do with members when they
rent themselves off from her without just cause ?

Ans. That the Church shall publickly declare that such
members have without just cause irregularly rent' themselves
off from the Church, and that whatsoever offence the Sd.
members are or shall be guilty of, that such a church is clear
of the reproach,

nQues. What shall be done with a member that believes
that Christ in his life and death fulfilled and made satisfac-
tion to the law of God for all mankind ?

Ans. That such a tenet is unscriptural and that it would
be prudent in Churches having- such a member to use all pos-
sible means consisting- of love to convince and reclaim him.

Ques. Whether a Church have the rig-ht to remove a Dea-
con to a ruling- Elder ?

Ans. Yes, if the person is willing-.

Motion made by a letter of Correspondence to be sent to the
Philadelphia Association and agreed on.

MlNl TION

Motion. For some method to be tak< n to regulate
Church in Bertie Count} .

Answer, [t is agreed that the delegates ol the Sd. Church
should nominate some particular Ministers belonging to the

iation to attend the said Meeting house and :
the Members i»\ experience into Church fellowship, accord-
ingly they Chose John Moore, Jonathan Thomas and Lemuel
Burkitt.

Motion. That a letter by way of admonition be sen! those
Churches that omitted Sending the Association on account of
their states and Standing, and the Association appoint
Brothers, Jonathan Thomas and Lemuel Burkitt t<> draw the
loiter in behalf of the whole.

Ques. A Controversy being between two Brethren being
brought before the church and the Church appoints a com-
mittee to Settle the matter and when brought to trial being
under bonds to abide by a Christian trial, the matter being
determined and then part of the Church apprehending- the
committee being misinformed, gave a wrong- Judgment as
they conceive which lies on them as a burden, what shall be
done :n SUCh a case ?

Ans. Have a new trial by the same committee.

John Meclamore, Modr.
Lemuel Bukkitt, Clerk.

At Kehukev Meeting house in Hallifax County the Associa-
tion Met by appointment on the 6th. day of Aug. 1774.

CHURCHES.

Tar River

Kehukev

MESSENGERS PRESENT.

John Moore, Pastor.
Elisha Battle.

John Moore, Jr.

Henry Hart.

Win. Burgess, Pastor.

Stephen Wesle
John Mc'Cabe.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

Pishing- Creek

Tossneot

Brunswick

Pasquotank

Sussix Co., Va

Sandy Run

Red Bank

Bear Creek

Win. Walker, Pastor.
Charles James.
Samuel Thompson.
Wm. Mc'Gregor.
Charles Ivey.
Wm. Andrews.
Jonathan Thomas,

Pastor.
John Thomas.
Moses Baker.
Zachariah Thompson, P.
Peter Lee.
Buckner Lanier.
Isom Reavis.
Henry Abbott, Pastor.
Joseph Creecy.
Isaac Jones.
R. Harrison.
Benj. Wilson.
Wm. Constantine Luton.
John Meglamore, Pastor,
Wm. Andrews.
John Sturg-eon.
Z. Bell.
Sha'd Bailey.
Lemuel Burkitt, Pastor.
Mc'Allister Vinson.
James Lassiter.
Jessie Williams.
No Pastor.
Wm. Traves,
John May.
Pastor not present.
Abraham Baker.

A Church in the lies of White [Isle of Wig-ht] County, Va.
applied for admission into the association and is rec'd. David

MlNTTl s oi- Kill! 1.

Borrow, Pastor. A Church in Craven County; Willis, i\
also applied for admission and i^ rec'd. A Church in (iran-
villc County, Tar River, Led better, Pastor made application

to join the association.

M The Proceedings <»i the Association in 1775 is loste".

At the Meeting bouse at Tosstieot in Edgecomb County the
A^> Nation Mot according to appointment on the 24th. day of
August 177<>. Letters being read. A Clerk and Moderator
was chosen, the Association adjourned till Monday.

churches.
Tar River.

Bear Creek.

Duplin.

Tossneot.

Kehukev

Pishing Creek,

Hali

MESSENGERS PRESENT.
John Moore, Pastor.
Elisha Battle.
Elias Fort.
Jacob Dickinson.
Joshua Herring-, Past.
Samuel Peacock.
John Rows.

Richard Brown, Pastor.
Timothy Williams.
Joseph Eason.
John Segrist.
John Thomas, Pastor.
Theophilus Thomas.
Moses Baker.
John Staned.
Ruben Huse.
Godfrey Staned.
William Burg-ess, Pastor.
Solomon Atkinson,
Henry Jones,
fax Co. Thomas Daniel, Pastor.
Jesse Pope.
Mathew Raborn.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

Johnston

John Moore,

., Pastor.

William Wood.

John Sanders.

Fishing- Creek, Bute Co.

Charles James.

Richard Bennett.

Nuse River

James Brinson.

Craven County

James Willis.

Sandy Creek

Edward Carlile.

Wm. McGregor.

William Solymon.

William Anderson.

Pitt County .

Henry Ellis.

George Williams.

CHURCH

PASTOR

■a

c
S

1
I

t— 1

I
i

Tar River

John Moore, Sr.
Joshua Herring.
Edward Brown.
John Thomas ..
Wm. Burgess....

126

Bear Creek

Duplin

23
340

"i
"i

Tossneot

40
1
47
46
18

Kehukey

34 1

Fishing Ork. (Halifax)

Thos. Daniel

103

136

140

Johnston

John Moore, Jr

Wm. Walker

Fishing Creek (Bute)

1 2

Nuse River

Joseph Willis....

Sandy Creek

•••

1
1

Pitt

The Association met according- to adjournment and pro-
ceeded to business. The Church under the Care of Edward
Brown Joined the Association. The Association moved to
Moore's Meeting house 3rd. Sunday in Oct. 1777.

At the Meeting house on Tar River in Edgecomb County
the Association met according to appointment. Letters from
the Several Churches being read the association proceeded to
business. First John Thomas was chosen Moderator and
John Battle [son of Elisha] Clerk.

Kkihk

I VTION

CHUR(

Tar River

ToSSIleot

Bear Creek

Duplin

Kehukey

Fishing- Creek,
Sandy Creek

Fishing Creek,
Flat Swamp

Three Creeks, Johnston Co

Halifax Co

Bute Co.
Co.

Pitt

MINI-

John Moore.

Daniel R<

Emanuel Skinner [Firsl
Pastor of Red River
Church in Robertson
Co., Tenn.].

Elias Fort.

John Thomas.

Aaron Tyson.

Wm. Bond.

Kphrm Daniel.

John Staned.

Abram Baker.

Wm. Taylor.

Joshua Sikes.

Joseph Eason.

Wm. Burgess.

Benjamin Dukins.

Thomas Joyner.

Hezekiah Morris.

Mat hew Rabun.

John Brown.

Wm. Andrews.

Simon Williams.

Samuel Thompson.

Charles James.

John Page.

Godfrey Staned.

Nathan Mayo,

John Moore.

John Sanders.

Hardy Sanders.

James Moss.

Aaron Sugg.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

CHURCHES

MINISTERS

ti'Q

OD rj

<X> ' O

O ! O

Q H

Flat Swamp jJohn Page 1

3 Creeks (Johnston)..! John Moore. Jr

Fishing Creek (Bute) jWm. Walker |l0| 20... 9 3

Sandy Creek ; j...

Fishing Crk.( Halifax)1 j 6

Kehukey |Wm. Burgess j...

Duplin

Bear Creek Abram Baker

Tossneot John Thomas !40

Tar River John Moore 1

2 4

2 2

64 34 4
103,27 3
3

101

.. 230
4 113

1 7
J 1

A Church in Flat Swamps in Pitt County (to wit) John
Pages petitioned for admission into the association and was
received.

John Moore Sr, moved for a plan to be fallen upon for Mar-
riage in the regular Baptist Society, the association took it
into consideration and appointed John Moore Sr., John Staned,
John Thomas and Nathan Mayo a committee to draw a plan
for the same. The Association adjourned till Thuesday 20th
dav of October 1777.

The Association met according- to adjourn't. The committee
brought in the plan they had formed for Marriages which is
as followeth (viz) The persons intended to marry shall be
properly published three Several Sundays in publick congre-
gation (or parish) in the County (or parish) where one or both
of the parties resides by the Minister (or clerk) of some regu-
lar Baptist Church having care of souls, and if the persons
appear in order for marriage the Minister shall propose the
following questions (or to the same import) whether they are
free and clear from all or any other preengagement, and shall
lay before them the danger and ill consequences of the falce
fying of any former engagement, and shall inform or instruct
them what the great end or design of the Ordinance or Insti-

Mr 'i Kim CATION -''

tut ion of Marriage and likewise instruct them in their duty to
Qod and to each other, thai they may lii er the

end and design of that ordinance and proceed as followeth

To the man N Will thou in the pi of God and this

Congregation take ihis woman to be thy wedded wife, to live
together after God's ordinance in the hoi' of Man

to love, honor and Cherish in Sickness and in health, in pros-
perity and adversity, forsaking- all others, keep thee only unto
her so lotig as jron both shall live (the man shall answer) I

will.

And then to the woman as followeth (viz)

N — Will thou in the presence of God and this congregation
take this man to be thy wedded husband to live together after
Gods ordinance in the holy State of marriage to love, honour
and obey in Sickness and in health, in prosperity and adver-
sity, and forsaking- all others, keep thee only unto him so long
u both shall live. The woman shall answer, I will.
Then the man shall say after the Minister as followeth (viz)
I.N — take thee N — to be my lawful and wedded wife to live
together after Gods ordinance in the hoi}- State of marriage,
to love, honor and Cherish in Sickness and in health, in
prosperity and adversity and forsaking- all others keep me
only unto thee so long- as we both shall live and thereto I
plig-ht thee my troth (then likewise the woman) IN— take
thee N— to be mv lawful and wedded husband to live together
after Gods ordinance in the holy State of Marriage, to love,
honour and obey in Sickness and in health, in prosperity and
adversity and forsaking all others, Keep me only unto thee
so long as we both shall live and thereto I plight my troth,
then Joining their right hands together the Minister shall
Say. These whom God hath joined together let no man put
asunder And shall pronounce them man and wife in the
name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen.

Appointed that the Association be the Saturday before the

30 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

second Sunday in October 1778 at the Meating- House on Fish-
ing- Creek in Hallifax County, North Carolina.

[This is a true and perfect copy of the minutes of Kehukey
Association as now recorded in the book now in my possession.

Joel B. Port]

notes.

1 Joel Battle Fort is a descendant of EH as Fort, and William
Horn, "Messengers," or Delegates, from the Tar River church
to the Kehukee Association. He is also descended from Elisha
Battle, the third messenger, who sometimes acted as clerk
and at others as moderator. He was born in 1854, his parents
being- Josiah William Fort and Eliza Penelope Dancy. He
is a missionary Baptist, a prominent lawyer of Tennessee,
and a successful manager of large farming- interests, is a
graduate of Cumberland University at Lebanon in Tennessee,
and served two terms in the General Assembly.

2 Mero District in West Tennessee was named in honor of
the Spanish Governor of New Orleans., who favored the
traders of the west.

3 Tossneot is an Indian name spelt in various ways — Toes-
not, Toisnot. There is a swamp of that name and a creek
running from it. The village on the Wilmington and Weldon
Railroad called Elm City once was known as Toisnot.

4 John Meglamore, the name spelt by Burkitt and Read
Meglamre, probably the same as our McElmore, was a North-
ern man. He had the pastoral care of the church at Kehukee.
He then was pastor of a church in Sussex, Va. He was gen-
erally 'moderator of the Association. He left the Kehukey
Association and joined that of Portsmouth, Va. He died 13th
December 1799 in the 70th year of his age.

5 James Abbing'ton was from Bertie county; was addicted
to sporting until his conversion, when he became a pastor and
"a Boanerges in preaching the Word." He died in 1772.

6 Elisha Battle was born in Nansemond county, Va., moved

MlNUTi-s Of Ki:nrKi;v A.8SOCIATK 31

to Tar River, when 24 years old, was often moderator oi Asso-
ciations. He was a Justice of the P< L7S6, mem-
ber of the General A&sembj y oi this State -from 1 77 1 , ol the
Congress that formed the State Constitution and Senator
from Edgecombe during the Revolutionary period andjrepc
edl j afterwards. EJe was also member of the Constitutional
Contention of I7ss, which postponed the adoption of the Fed-
eral Constitution, and was often Chairman <>i the Committee

Of the Whole. He died March 6, 1799, in the 7(>th year of his
age. Bis absence from the Association in 1777 was because

he was State Senator.

William Horn was Colonel of the County. in Colonial times.
He was also a member of the Congress at Halifax, in 177(>,
which adopted our State Constitution.

8 Jonathan Thomas was a native of Edgecombe. His
brother was John Thomas, and he had a brother named-John,
all three being- Baptist preachers. Jonathan was ordained in
1758, and was much revered. He had a peculiar facility in

>nciling apparent contradictions in Scripture. He died
early in 1775.

9 Burkitt and Read state that "the Separates, or^Separate
Baptists, arose in New England, where some pious men left
the Presbyterian, or the Standing order, on account of their
formality and superfluity. 1. Because they were.too extra-
vagant in their apparel. 2. Because they did, not believe
their form of Church government to be right, but- chiefly
because they would admit none to the ministry, only men of
classical education, and many of their ministers apparently
seemed to be unconverted. They were then called^Separate
Newlights, Some of these were baptized and moved into-the
Southern provinces, particularly Elders Shubal Sterns and
Daniel Marshall, whose labors were, wonderfully blessed in
Virginia, North and South Carolina,. and Georgia." * *
u The distinction between us and them'was'that they were
called Separates, and the Philadelphia, the Charleston and
the Kehukey Association were called Regular Baptists."

32 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

An effort was made by the Kehukey Association to estab-
lish fellowship between the two parties, but the Separatists
refused, complaining- that the Regulars were not strict enough
in receiving- experiences — that the Regulars baptized many
before they believed — that they indulg-ed their members in
superfluity of dress — but chiefly because they held persons in
fellowship, who were baptized in unbelief. These were, it
was claimed in reality never baptized at all.

These doctrines broug-ht about a division in the churches.
Some were g-athered by the Free Will Baptists, whose custom
was to baptize any who were willing-, whether they had
experience of grace or not.

In October 1775 when the Kehukry Regular Baptist Asso-
ciation held their meeting- at the Falls of Tar River, a fierce
discussion of these questions was. had, the result being a
division in the Association.

In 1786 the two Societies united on the basis (1) that bap-
tism of unbelievers is not valid. (2) Every church member
to be sole judge whether he is baptized in unbelief. (3) Every
minister may baptize such as desire, being scrupulous about
their former baptism. In 1790 owing to the great increase in
the number of churches, there being 61 with a membership of
5,017, and also the distance of some from the centre of the
Association, there was a friendly division, 42 churches in
North Carolina retaining the name of the Kehukey Associa-
tion and the 19 churches in Virginia calling themselves the
Virginia Portsmouth Association. Means were provided for
keeping by interchange of delegates friendly intercourse with
each other.

10 In the early years of his office Governor Martin endeav-
ored to ingratiate himself with the people of the province.
Being the servant of King George it was inevitable however
that the harmony should be disrupted. Probably every man
who voted for this friendly letter became his political enemy.
The clerk of the Association was, as has been mentioned, a
member of the war Congresses and General Assemblies.

11 There were at this time and afterwards vigorous prosely-
ting efforts made by the Universalists. A challenge for a
joint discussion was made by one of their preachers to Elder
Joshua Lawrence, a Baptist of great talent and force of char-
acter. The bulk of the hearers thought that Lawrence had
the best of the argument, but admitted that his opponent was
gifted with oratorical power.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

No. 6.

Diary of a Geological Tour by Dr. Elisha Mitchell in

1827 and 1828 with Introduction and Notes

by Dr. Kemp P Battle, LLD.

CHAPEL HILL

PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY

1905

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
CHAPEL HILL

INTRODUCTION.

Statesville, N. C, Nov. 20, L%3.
Hon. Kemp I\ Battle.

Dear Sir: — At the request of my aunt, Miss Margaret Mitch-
ell, I write a note to accompany a package of old letters, sent
by this mail.

In looking Over some hundreds of old family letters, these
records of Grandfather Mitchell's earlier tours in Western
N. C. seemed, perhaps, to have some value for the Historical
Society. They are written with care and method, and are as
he says, of the nature of a diary, in the vacations of 1827 and
1828, and, some, later, giving daily account of travels over
various counties, what mines he looked into, what minerals
and geological features he saw, the kind of lands he passed
over, and the people he met. If they prove to be of any use,
please accept; if not, destroy them. If they reach you, please
acknowledge to Miss Mitchell, at this place.

She heard of the death of her old playmate, and long time
friend, S. F. Phillips. Another break in the band of Mitch-
ells and Phillipses. Four left, Mrs. Ashe,1 Miss Margaret,
Mrs. Spencer, and Mrs. Laura Phillips. Mrs. Ashe is in
the feeblest health, 81 years old. Miss M. enjoys good health
but is slowly losing her sight, from cataract.

Respectfully,

Mrs. W. H. Coit.

The foregoing letter by a granddaughter of Dr. Mitchell
explains the character of the letters now published as No. 6
in the James Sprunt Monograph Series. It is deemed proper
to prefix a short memoir of their author.

Elisha Mitchell was born in Washington, Connecticut,
August 19, 1793. His father, Abner by name, was a farmer.
His mother was Phoety Eliot, a descendant of the "Apostle

iMiss Margaret Mitchell and Mrs. Mary Ashe have since died.

4 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

to the Indians," John Eliot. His grandfather's father, Rev.
Jared Eliot, was eminent in science, and received a medal
from the Royal Society of London for a discovery in the
manufacture of iron. He graduated at Yale College in 1813,
among the highest in scholarship. Among his classmates were
Senator George E. Badger, Dr. Denison Olmstead, Judge
James Longstreet and Thomas P. Devereux, Esq. After teach-
ing in schools for a year or two he became a Tutor in Yale
College and in 1817 on the recommendation of Rev. Mr. Dwight
the Chaplain to the U. S. Senate and of Judge • Wm. Gaston,
then member of Congress, he was elected Professor of Mathe-
matics in the University of North Carolina. In 1825 at his
own request he was transferred to the chair of Chemistry,
Geology and Mineralogy, which he held for thirty-two years.
He was twice Chairman of the Faculty, virtual President of
the University — during President Caldwell's visit to Europe
in 1824, and after his death on January 25, 1835, until the
coming of President Swain, January 1st, 1836. Before leaving
Connecticut he obtained license to preach in the Congrega-
tional Church but in 1821 was ordained a minister of the
Presbyterian Church by the Presbytery of Orange, North
Carolina.

The General Assembly in 1822 appropriated $250 a year for
a Geological and Agricultural Survey of the State and in 1826
continued the appropriation for one year longer. Prof. Olm-
stead, and on his resignation in 1825, Dr. Mitchell was selected
to do the work. A report was made and printed, Parts I and
II by Olmstead, Part III by Mitchell. In 1829 the latter
made another short report. He published also a thin text-
book called "Elements of Geology with an outline of the Geo-
logy of North Carolina." A paper on the "Character and
Origin of the Low Country of North Carolina," is in the Jour-
nal of Science for 1828. He wrote much for newspapers and
for Scientific Journals. Among other pamphlet publications
are two sermons with notes, called "The Other Leaf of the
Book of Nature and the Word of God,' giving cogent argu-

Sketch of Dr. Mitchell 5

menU against the Abolitionists on the Slavery question. The
pamphlet is 74 pages long- and is dated tqj8.

Dr. Mitchell read so extensively in many directions as to

Acquire the reputation of being possessed of universal know-
ledge. He had a large brain and might have been among tin-
great men of the world, if he had confined himself to his
specialty.

His great self-reliance caused his death. He claimed to
have visited the highest peak of the Black Mountains. Gen-
eral Thomas L. Clingman contended that he himself was the
first discoverer and endeavored to have it called Mount Cling-
man. After a long controversy in the newspapers, Dr. Mitch-
ell determined to ascertain the height by the spirit level, as
he had formerly done by the barometer. On the 27th of June,
1857, leaving the engineering party, he endeavored to ascend
the mountain alone and go down on the Yancey side, in order
to visit one or more of his former guides. Being detained by
a thunderstorm it was late in the afternoon when he began to
■nd a fork of Canev river. By the side of a forty-foot
precipice he slipped and fell into a deep pool below. His body
was not found until the eighth of July. He was buried in
Asheville, but the next year his family allowed his body to be
buried on Mount Mitchell.

For years Dr. Mitchell was one of the most conspicuous
men in the state. As a teacher he was most interesting,
abounding in illustrations, often humorous, which illuminated
the subject. As a preacher he was able and logical but lack-
ing in grace of delivery. As a disciplinarian he was active in
detection and prevention, but mild in punishment. As a
neighbor he was boundless in charity, ready with purse and
wise counsels to aid all who needed help.

His children were four daughters and a son. The son,
Charles, a physician, died in Mississippi without issue. His
daughter Eliza, married to Richard I. (irant, a citizen of
Texas, likewise left n#> children. His daughter Mary mar-
ried Captain Richard J. Ashe, of the Bethel regiment, a citi-

6 James Sfrunt Historical Monograph.

zen of Chapel Hill and late of California, left children and
grandchildren, as did his daughter Ellen, who married Dr,
John J. Summerell, of Salisbury. Margaret did not marry.

The letters, while containing allusions of a personal and
family nature, were evidently intended to be material for a
report or an article for a scientific journal.

It is probable that the distress following the Panic of 1825
caused the General Assembly to discontinue the Geological
Survey.

In annotating I have not deemed it necessary to notice men
about whom nothing is known except what is mentioned in
the text. If any facts of importance are not brought out it is
because I was unable by correspondence to discover them.
Owing to the high rates of postage Dr. Mitchell's penman-
ship is extremely fine, sometimes almost illegible, and it is
possible that I may have been unable to decipher correctly
some words.

I acknowledge my indebtedness to the courtesy and intelli-
gent enquiries of Hon John S. Henderson, of Salisbury, Hon.
C. J. Cowles, of Wilkesboro, Dr. Wm. T. Whitsett, of Whit-
sett, Hon. Alfred M. Scales, of Greensboro, Miss Adelaide
L. Fries, of Salem, Prof. Alexander Graham, of Charlotte,
Messrs. Pinley and Hendren, of Wilkesboro, Alfred Nixon,
Esq., of Lincolnton, Thomas C. Bowie, Esq., of Jefferson, R. A.
Nunn, Esq., of Newbern, H. A. Daniels, Esq., of Goldsboro,
Dr. Richard H. Lewis, of Kinston, and Mr. J. R. Lewellyn,
of Dobson.

Kemp P, Battle.

DIARY.

Newbern, Dec. 28th. 1827.
My Dear Maria:

I received today from the post-master your very welcome
letter— "and having this evening* no other means at hand for
killing the time have concluded to prepare a few lines in
reply." The words included in the commas are such as
according to the general language of mankind in relation to
the state of feeling subsisting between man and wife I ought
to address to you. After writing them down however I can-
not let them stand without connecting with them an assur-
ance that however it may be with others there is at least one
husband who some eight years after marriage is fool enough
to love his wife tenderly and well. I sympathize with Mr.
Phillips and trust that you will pass the vacation without
encountering those evils which Millee Strowd was threatened
with. In Raleigh I met with little or nothing to interest me.
The Geological Survey dies a natural death at the end of this
year. There is no one who takes any interest in the business,
nor, in the present state of the Treasury, did I find there was
any the least prospect of succeeding in any application to the
legislature and I therefore gave it up at once. I sent you 25
dollars by Dr. Caldwell — at least it was to be paid into his
hands by Mr. Devereaux for you. This you will pay into the
hands of Mr. Cheek or at least sixteen dollars of it, if he gives
up the paper I gave to Mr. Somebody Mi . Lloyd for corn^
but not else.

We left Raleigh on Friday about noon and rode to Smith-
field having Mr. Devereaux' in company some of the way. We
put up together at Rice's and passed a pleasant evening. The

iMr. John Devereaux, merchant of Newbern, father of Thomas P.
Devereaux, who was a Reporter of the Supreme Court, and a wealthy
planter on the Roanoke.

8 James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

next day proving rainy Mr. Andrews1 took the stage for New-
bern and left me to trudge along in the mud by myself. I
rode down to Bass's2 ferry and paddled about the river a while
in an old crazy canoe to see the limestone about the mouth of
falling creek and then passed on to Waynesboro and put up
at Isaac Hills, — -found there a young Lawyer from Orange
who knew me and went with me to see Mrs. Andrews — the
ci-divant Miss Gunn who was married in the meeting house
in Washington the summer you were there — she lives just on
the bank of the Neuse. On Sunday collected a little congre-
gation and held forth to them at the tavern. Drs. Williams
and Tippoo Henderson3 and Morris called upon me. And of
them all I liked Dr. Williams the least. Took my tea and
spent the evening at Dr. Andrews/ Monday morning crossed
the Neuse and got my breakfast at Mr. Griswolds5 where I
spent some time in examining the limestone on the bank.
Griswold is a Yankee boy who came from Rocky Hill to Car-
olina as he married a girl of some property — failed — and now
lives in rather humble style in Wayne. He does not appear
to be efficient and I doubt his wife regrets her having married
a Yankee; rode down to the river and put up at Stephen
Herrings in Lenoir — a hearty droll old cock who told me how
extravagant the storm had been about Wilmington and how

lEthan A. Andrews, Prof essor of Ancient Languages in U. of N.O.,
1822 to 1828. He afterward taught in New England and was author of
valuable classical school books.

2Name extinct Andrew Bass in 1784 gave three acres in Waynesboro
for a court house, &c. He doubtless gave the name to the ferry — Falling
Creek is still so called.

3Tippoo Saib Henderson was a son of Major Pleasant Henderson, of
Chapel Hill. He graduated at the University of North Carolina in 1814.

4Dr. Samuel Andrews kept a tavern at Waynesboro for many years.
One son. Rev. S. G. Andrews, was a colonel in the C. S. A.; another,
George P. Andrews, was a colonel in the U. S. Army; a third, Rev. F.
John Andrews, was a gifted Methodist preacher; and a fourth is a local
Methodist preacher.

sjames Griswold, long clerk and master in equity for Wayne county.

Dr. MtUktWl Diary. 9

fortunate the Messrs. Whitfield bad been about marrying,
each of them having buried 3 or 4 wives. Tuesday rode
through I desolate country the western part of Jonefl
entered Onslow where the appearances improved — crossed the
rich lands of that county and put up at old Kit Dudley's' on
the east side of New Rivet at the head of Navigation 5 or f>
miles from the court house N. East. A violent Jackson man.
Deist, very rich, offensive and talkative. Mrs. Hill his daugh-
ter was there and agreeable. The old fellow entertained me
hospitably but I had some difficulty in maintaining my inde-
pendence without quarrelling with him. I fear indeed I
hardly did my duty to him so far as religion is concerned but
I was restrained by the circumstance of his being apparently
petulant thro the effect of a recent illness.

Wednesday, had a stroll over the plantation before break-
fast, and after breakfast then my horse was to be got ready,
found that the fellow apprehending I had not done my busi-
ness faithfully had gone on an exploring expedition so that I
did not start till it was late. Rode down to Col. Dulanys3 or
rather to his son in law's on New River for the Col. a very
worthy man, abides with his daughter — got my dinner
— rode out to see New River and then passed down to
Swansboro at the mouth of White Oak on the sound — a village
of 4 tolerable houses and some smaller ones. I expected to

iTwo Whitfields lived near Waynesboro, Samuel and William. Samuel
was father of the first wife of Mr. E. B. Borden. William moved to
Mexico and owned a large coffee plantation.

The removal of the county seat from Waynesboro to Goldsboro was
authorized by Act of the General Assembly. The exodus of people
and houses was from 1837 to 1854. Mr. Richard Washington was
the last inhabitant of Waynesboro. Flat boats and small steamers plied
between it and Newbern.

^Christopher Dudley, seven times Senator from Onslow, father of
Edward B. Dudley, Representative in Congress 1835 — , and Governor
1886-' JO— the first elected by the people.

30ol. Daniel B. Dulany, Representative in the General Assembly, 1820-
1821 and 1832.

10 James Sftrunt Historical Monagraph.

stay with Mr. Ferrand1 who is the principal man of the place
but, observing- that he had company, rode down to Thompsons
— a tolerable house in appearance, where, whilst the yankee
landlord and his Carolina wife and sister set before me an in-
different supper and breakfast, he congratulated me in sound-
ing terms on the escape I had made in not going to Onslow
Court house where I should have had another fare.

Thursday. I intended to cross White Oak and proceed to
Beaufort but, considering- that I should have nothing to pass
over during- the day but uninteresting- sands, and that the
country from Beaufort up would possess as little interesting,
I turned my horse for Newbern. Country flat and barren till
I came near Trent River. Saw slate rock in the bed of White
Oak when I crossed it and also in two or three places near the
Trent and arrived here after dark. Friday, proposed to go
back into Jones County to examine the shells on Durant
Hatch's2 plantation but finally gave up the plan and concluded
to stay in Newbern till Monday next. Have been today stroll-
ing about town — have looked up some books for the girls,
dined with Mrs Shepard3— called upon Mrs. Brown4 this even-
ing. She is not in the least altered that I can see, has now a
most beautiful little boy on hand. On Monday D. V. we

iWm. P. Ferrand, Representative in the General Assembly, 1826.

2Durant Hatch was State Senator fifteen terms; also a Trustee of the
University. Shell rook is still obtained from his plantation, which is now
mostly owned by Mr. James A. Jones of Newbern .

3Mrs Shepard, nee Blount, grand daughter of Sir Frederick Blount.
She was widow of Wm. Shepard, a wealthy merchant, and grandmother,
among others, of Gen. J. J. Pettigrew, Judge Henry R. Bryan, Judge
Wm. S. Bryan, of the Supreme Court of Maryland, and Mrs. Mary S.
Speight, a benefactor of of the University.

4 Mrs. Silvester Brown. Their son, Silvester Tilman, was father of Judge
Brown of the Supreme Court. The "beautiful little boy" turned out to be
a very fine looking old man. He was a student of U. N. O. in 1841-'42.
Mrs Brown's maiden name was Hannah Holladay, of a Green County
family. She had another son at the University 1831-'35, who was a phy-
sician.

Dr. Mitchell's Diary. 11

started for Washing-ton— I suppose at least that Mr. Andrews
will be in company -pass up the Tar — and so get home — about
which same place I have a few things to say. It semis that a
great deal of pork has been lost the whole country through.
Mr. Barbee, and much more Mr. Robson, therefore must not
bring his hogs till the weather is cool'. Cut them up immedi-
ately and spread them. They are not to be salted till quite
cold but when this is the case there should be as little delay as
possible. If the Journal of Science comes and the extra sheets
— retain all said sheets. I will distribute them myself instead
of placing them at the disposal of the Board.

I am pleased with the accounts from N. London and Wash-
ington in regard to brother Elnathan though I have no great
expectation that there will be any very favorable result. I
hope he may stay in N. London a while and make a trial. I
hardly think you will hear from me again till I come home —
perhaps you may. Messrs. Andrews and Treadwell2 having
been here some 4 or 5 days before me, have forestalled most of
the civilities of the good people of the place. I called upon
Mr. Stanly to-day. The stage waits. Adieu.

Yours,
E. Mitchell.

The above is a lie. The stage did not wait but was off a
mile when Mr. Andrews and I came down with our letters.
My carry-all is ordered and we start for Washington.

Thine,

E. M.

lUp to the Civil War families in towns bought hogs freshly slaughtered,
cut them up and "cured" the hams, shoulders and sides for the year's con-
sumption. Near the dwelling was the smoke-house in which they were
exposed to thick smoke for many days. Much loss was sometimes had
from rapid change of temperature from cold to heat. A warm winter is
on record, in which hundreds of thousands of pounds of pork were de-
stroyed.

201iver Wolcott Treadwell, of Connecticut, graduate of U. N. C. 1826;
Tutor, 1836-'9. "Mr. Andrews" is Prof Ethan A. Andrews,

12 James Spruni Historical Monograph.

Hines's, 11 Miles West of Salem, 7 miles East of the Shallow
Ford or Huntsville, Wednesday Evening, July, 1828.

My Dear and Good Wife:

I did intend to write a few lines for you last night at Greens-
boro, but after rummaging- the trunk sometime, could find no
quills for the very obvious reason that they were directly be-
fore my eyes. I have two methods of keeping a journal to
choose from. One, that of noting down in my memorandum
book whatever may occur worthy of observation; the other of
introducing the same matter into my letter to you. My
Epistles filled with Mineralogical and Geological details are in
danger of becoming in this way so dull that you will care
nothing about them. But what else Shall I write about? Tis
altogether out of the question — a man who has not yet been
separated from his wife quite two days to fall to sighing and
wooing as though he was now experiencing the first access of
his maiden passion.

My present trip, if matters hold as they are, is likely to
prove in one respect more agreeable than those which have
preceeded. The aspect of the country is delightful. People
talk of fine prospects, and I believe I have an eye to distin-
guish, and a soul to feel them. But, after all, there is no
prospect like that of a country covered with luxuriant vegeta-
tion, that is going to pour of its abundance into the granaries
of its cultivator. The mind is carried forward to the peace,
security, and happiness that are to result to the poor as well
as to the rich, when heaven pours out its bounties with so un-
sparing a hand. What a contrast between the appearance of
the fields now and what they were two years ago. The wheat
is gathered in and is therefore wanting to the unvarying land-
scape which Levi1 and I enjoyed together, but the oats still
cover the fields, and it is difficult to persuade ones-self when

iLevi must have been his horse's name. He was too independent to
have a driver and I know of no one of that name likely to have been his,
companion,

Dr. Mitchell^ Diary. 13

we seo the Indian com oJ S< > (loop a green; its growth so vig-
orous; shooting' up towards the clear iky, and bathed in the

balmy air and the sunbeams — It is difficult to persuade one-
self, that it is not positively happy. And I can hardly help
congratulating the trees of the forest, as I ride along on the

beautifulness of the year under the idea that they prefer it such
M it is to a dry and dusty summer. But the daylight is fad-
ing, and I do not know whether Mrs. Hines will let me have a
candle, and must therefore, improve the moments to make a
few memoranda. The latter part of my ride to Breeses' was
dark, but on the whole it was not disagreeable. Started early
on Tuesday morning and rode 24 miles to Joseph Gibson's2 to
breakfast. The slate continued until I reached Judge Mur-
phy's , where it was gradually replaced by some half baked
granite. Found Breccia a little before I got to the stone tav-
ern, but scarce — Afterwards, 18 miles from Chapel Hill, one
James Johnston has been digging a well which goes through
a slate rock that is full of small crystals of pyrites. The slaty
structure is much more found in many of the rocks of this
region. The bank of the river at Murphy's mill is covered
with grains of sand that have been brought down from the
rocks miles above. From Judge Murphy's to where I entered
the Hillsboro and Greensboro road near Ephraim Cooks there
is little bit the imperfect granite. It produces rather a cold
black, sticky soil. The road from Cook's to Greensboro I
travelled last year. For a mile and a half from Cook's the
rocks are slaty; in one place in the right of the road there ap-
peared to be granite imbedded in the slate. Along by Gib-
son's there was imperfect slate again. Stopped at Gibson's.
He married Rev'd Mr. Paisly's sister. Went to see the mine.

iThe name of Breese has disappeared from the neighborhood. Informa-
tion about Gibson is given in note to another letter.

2Archibald Debow Murphey. His plantation was on Big Alamance, 8
miles south of Graham . On his insolvency it was sold and Chief Justice
Thomas Ruffin became the purchaser. After the Oivil War he sold it and
later it has been called the Curtis place.

14 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

They have made an anthill of the whole enclosure on which
the gold is found. The veins run every which way, but more
especially to the N. East and S. West. There is abundance
of Iron Pyrites — some carbonate of copper. The vein has a
stratum (strasser, the workmen call it) of Magnesium slate on
each side of it. The mine is worth visiting- again. Ten miles
from Greensboro, struck the granite ag-ain and rode on it all
the way to that famous Metropolis. Put up at Mooring's,
Miss Christie1 not arrived, Professor Barr1 then sick. After
supper went up to see Mr. Paisly, found the family, — well one
tolerable pretty daug-hter; Dr. Mebane2 there. Observed in an
inquiring- way that he presumed Miss Hogg-1 would be a good
instructress. A case for a casuist. I bore ample testimony
to Miss Hogg's good qualities. A thunderstorm. After it
was over, returned to Moorings with the intention of writing
to you, but was disappointed by not finding the quills. Went
to bed and dreamed that I had a quarrel with you. I forget
what about.

Wednesday — Rode to Salem, 28 miles to breakfast and din-
ner. Route through a pleasant country, interesting in a
geological point of view. Rock granite growing more crys-
tallic as we approached Salem, and becoming decidedly so
within 12 or 14 miles. Sometimes (rarely) schistose, present-
ing something that is neither mica, talc slate nor gneiss. A
good many hornblende rocks having gneiss structure or rather
having the little crystals of hornblende, etc., approaching to
parallelism and distributed through the whole rock. Got my
dinner. Strolled about Salem till three, then got my horse
and rode to this place. Country rather sterile about 5^2

iDr. Paisly's school was prior to Caldwell Institute, Edgeworth Semi-
nary and the Greensboro Female College. There was a family of Hoggs,
who lived at Chapel Hill prior to this There were three children, Chris-
tie, Lydia and Gavin. Gavin was a prominent lawyer, father of Dr.
Thomas D. Hogg, of Raloigh. Lydia married a Lindsay of Greensboro.
"Miss Christie" was a teacher They were of very little kinship to Jamea
Hogg of Hillsboro — I know nothing of Professor Barr.

2Dr. John A, Mebane, brother of Dr Paisly's wife,

Dr. MitchelVs Diary. 14

miles, then much better. Rolling- but fertile. At <> miles
? and well defined gneiss; i little above very c<>.

granite. Rocks wry few, Tis useless to traverse such a dis-
trict in search of minerals. Many hornblende rocks likr those
described as occurring- between Greensboro and Salem.
Within two miles of this place mica is abundant in scales as
large as a Connecticut nine pence.1 Farewell.

Sales', 15 miles east of Wilkesboro, Thursday evening.
I left Hines' early this morning and have just arrived here
having met with little interesting or remarkable on the road.
About 3l/> miles before I reached the Shallow Ford2 and of
course near the Stokes and Surry line I struck a bed of soap-
stone about a mile and a half across. It was preceded by a
kind of Granite chlorite rock, giving a green color to the soil.
Of this soap stone I know nothing- as yet; it will require ex-
amination hereafter. The passage of the shallow ford with
the Pilot in full view at the distance of 15 or 20 miles, is most
beautiful. After leaving- the soap-stone there are some rocks
discovering- themselves in the sides of the hills near the river.
They are g-neiss and mica slate. A^ter tn^s there is nothing
from which to discover the nature of the subjacent rock till
we come near Hamptonville, 18 miles from the river where
the rocks, gneissoid hornblende rock, are more abundantly
granite and but little mica and approaching- to gneiss are seen
and continues to this place 11 miles farther with an interval
where the mica becomes very predominant. The country tra-
versed today is fertile but much less beautiful than that
through which I passed yesterday. Something- raw and coun-
trified about it. Still I am coming in among- the mountains,
and the Blue Ridge is in full view from this place — a part of
Ashe. The road has in g-eneral been remarkably level. Sales'
is under a hig-h steep hill cultivated to its summit. Hunts-

1A little larger than a dime.

2Through the Yadkin, on the road from Winston to Hnntsville and
Wilkesboro.

16 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

ville,1 I passed only one corner of, so I can't speak of it.
Hamptonville1 has 7 or eight dwelling- houses. Stopped for
dinner with John Wright, who was formerly sheriff of the
count}7, and gave me some interesting information respecting
it. He is married and has no children. A very pretty mulat-
to boy stood by the table as I was eating my breakfast or din-
ner. A sign in Hamptonville bore Cowles and Porter. I said
at once that I could tell from what town in Connecticut those
men came from. I was within one of it. Cowles2 was from
Southington; Porter from Farmington. Cowles' grandfather
and Mrs. Andrews's great-grandfather by his account were
brothers. As a merchant here he is, I believe successful.
Married in Connecticut; carried his wife on a year ago to see
her friends, and she died there — are you not scared? Has
another wife visiting in Iredell. Went down after dinner a
mile to see the plantation of a certain Mr. Nixon, who had
ridden with me from the Shallow Ford, to see if he had any
chance for gold, and found he had none. I learned the secret
of being a punctual correspondent when on a journey; it is to
sit down at once as soon as one arrives at night, and write on
ones trunk as I am doing now. Good night.

Foot of the Blue Ridge at Mrs. Colberts, Friday Evening.

I rode into Wilkesboro this morning. Tracing first, gra-
nite, gneiss and then mica slate. Put up at Massey's Hotel.
For some time could find nobody to get an}7 information

lHuntsville and Hamptonville now have each about 100 inhabitants.

2Josiah Cowles came to this State in 1816 and first established himself in
business at Kernersville, then at Healey's, finally at Hamptonville. He
married first a Connecticut, Rebeccah Sandford, then a North Carolina
lady, Nancy, daughter of Andrew Carson, a comrade of Daniel Boone, and
uncle of Kit Garson. Hon. Calvin Josiah Cowles, President of the con-
vention of 1868, is a son of the first, and State Senator Andrew C, Mr.
Miles M., and Colonel William H. H. Cowles, of the second. A son of
Hon. Calvin J, Colonel Calvin D. Cowles, of the 5tli U. S. Infantry is
getting up a tree of the old Connecticut family. He and his brother,
Lt. Col. Andrew D., were in the Spanish war. Porter's name was David S,

))r. Mit(ht'ir> Diary. <7

from. At length bethought myself of Rev'd Abner Gay, who
as I had seen in the papers has charge of the Academy here.
Went out and found him inter umbms circumire, as Virgil
1*3 ^ that is, on the top of a hill half a mile from town, where
1 lo<^ academy has been built for him in the midst of th«
est. I of v nurse complimented him on having a situation s<»
classical — exactly such that Apollo and the Muses are repre-
sented as loving to haunt; After leaving him, I went down
to the sheriff's to get some information out of him, and a> In-
had some iron Pyrites, I played Olmstead1 with him; got out
my blow-pipe and magnet and showed him how his supposed
gold was unmagnetio before roasting* to drive off the sulphur
and magnetic after. Mr. Massey came in and I got acquaint-
ed with him. Mr Gay called and took me up to Col. Finley V
to dinner. The Col. and his wife are the only two Presby-
terians in Ashe. There is to be a ball at Massey 's this even-
ing. I had an invitation to attend, but having, as I believed,
sufficiently apprised the people of my existence, came on to
this place, 17 miles from Jefferson the celebrated seat of Jus-
tice Tor Ashe. I crossed the Yadkin by fording, travelled
over mica slate chiefly, crossed some impure plumbago at si\

lProfessor Denison Olmstead, Professor of Natural Philosophy of Yale.
He left the University of N 0. in 1825.

2Colonel, more properly Major John Finley, was son of Mirhael Finley.
of Adams Co., Penn , and nephew of Rev. Samuel Finley, D.D., Presi-
dent of Princeton College, the latter being grandfather of Samuel Finley
Breese Morse, inventor of the telegraph. His twin sister, Mary, was the
mother of General Samuel Finley Patterson, once State Treasurer, father
of the late Col. Rufus L. and Samuel L. Patterson, Commissioner of Agri-
culture. Major Finley moved to Wilkesboro in 1805. In 1828 he was farm-
er and merchant, copartner with Colonel Waugh, having branch stores at
Jefferson and Lenoir. He died in 1865, leaving children and grandchild-
ren. His oldest son, Augustus W. , married Martha Lenoir Gordon, sister
of Geu. Jas. B Gordon and grand niece of General Wm. Lenoir. Their
oldest son, J. E. Finley, is President of the Bank of North Wilkesboio.and
the youngest, T. B. Finley, is a lawyer of the firm of Finley and Hendren.
The land underlying the town of North Wilkesboro once belonged to
Chapman Gordon, grandfather of General John B. Gordon of Georgia.

l8 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

miles, at nine miles descended into the valley of Reddie's riv-
er, and travelled by the side of it until quite near this. These
four miles were very pleasant — the steep mountains were on
either hand — the river clear as crystal tumbled over its rocky
bed, and there were fine fields of corn upon its banks. The
farms are small and here, according- to some men calling- them-
selves philosophers, in retirement shut out from intercourse
with the world by the sides of these streams and hemmed in
by these mountains — man may, if he will, be happy. But
they are less happy than we.

It is not in seclusion that the human mind receives its full-
est development and that its enjoyment is most intense. In-
stead of caring to feel the fine passions that ag-itate the breast
of the inhabitants of the city, they are placed on low and
grovelling- and brutal objects. I doubt after all whether
there are many persons happier than ourselves. There are
doubtless times when our pride is mortified by an inability to
exhibit as much style as we mig-ht desire, but it is not every
person — it is not every married pair that has the confidence
we have in each others mutual affection — as well founded a
prospect of having all the necessaries and some of the luxur-
ies and elegancies of life supplied to us. This Mrs. Colbert
does not appear to be very old, and yet she has six sons and
five daughters.

Jefferson, Saturday Evening.
Arrived at this place about noon in safety. Fox has not
yet run away with me. Indeed, there seems more danger that
the crows will run away with him. The poor old fellow is
badly worsted. His back is very sore, and I shall leave him
here on Monday and hire a horse to ride about the country
with. At Mrs. Colvards the fare was rather hard; no tea or
coffee but excellent potatoes. I intended to start as soon as
it should be light this morning, but the sun had already gild-
ed the mountain tops. Poor Pox, if he is in the habit of
swearing, and I hope he is not, must have cursed the negro
that brought him out this morning, and the white man who

br. .\/f/r/ir//\s t)niry. W

drove him. I first clambered up the mountain and along- and
dreary- clamber it was of five miles. Near the summit there
is a very extensive prospect embracing a wide circuit of the
comparatively low, level country through which I had been
traveling, but there was nevertheless, notwithstanding the
extensiveness of the prospect, something wanting-. There
was no water; there were no thriving- towns and villages to be
seen, inhabited by an industrious, frug-al and virtuous grown
population, and a body of youth preparing to supply with
ability the plans which their fathers are shortly to leave. The
rocks in the ascent of the ridge were chiefly mica slate, and
granite of a grain, very white and frequently with abundance
of mica. Seven miles from the top of the ridge after a mod-
erate descent — the path apparently over mica slate almost ex-
clusively only two or three houses; I came to New river.
'Tis a beautiful stream, broad but not deep, clear and running-
its course among the mountains, which often over-hang- its
banks and overshadow its waters. About three miles from
this place left the river. Passed an old Dunker1 who was
mending- his mill-race. He evidently is not quite orthodox,
poor man; lor he shaves around his mouth where the beard
would interfere with what he probably considers as among-st
the more important duties of his life — those of kissing- his
wife and eating- his dinner. I am put up at a certain Mr.
Lai's — I beg- his pardon, Mr. La's — no on looking- upon the
sign I find his name is Faw. Jeffersontown has 6 or 8 houses
—dwelling- houses — rather shabby. Mr. Mitchell2 is gone out
to electioneer at a muster, seven miles according to one infor-
mant; 12 to another. I thought at first of getting upon a
horse and riding- out, but finally gave it out under the idea
that the people would be dispersing-, if not dispersed, before I
Should arrive. Instead of doing- that I ascended the hig-hest

l A religious sect, which had its origin in Germany: sometimes called
Tunkers; fr. tunken, to dip, on account of their mode of baptism.

2 Anderson Mitchell, late tutor at U. N C. Then a lawyer and Common-
er in Legislature. He afterwards moved to Statesville and became a judge.

i() James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

of the mountains in the neighborhood along- with Mr. Faw,
and a rugged ascent it was. Saw a good many plants that
were new to me, dug a root of ginseng for you, a small one
with my own hands. The air being clear, the prospect was
delightful. The Pilot could be distinguished clearl}', proba-
bly at the distance of near a hundred miles. It appeared to
be almost exactly east. The Grandfather, or the mountain
which we supposed to be the one bearing that name, bore S.
40 West. We had a clear view of the country lying d >wn -he
New River in Virginia, and also of the part of Surry, Wilkes,
etc, lying near the Blue Ridge, for the point on which we
were standing was high enough to overlook the Blue Ridge.
Nearly the whole county of Ashe lay at our feet, the Merry-
Anders1 of the river could be traced as on a map. Some of
the plantation in view also presented a noble appearance, but
oh, what an ocean of mountains That spoken of is called
the Negro Mountain, the rocks of it are almost hornblende
slate, or gneissoid hornblende rock. I have yet seen none of
the rock which I supposed from the representation of McClure
to underlie the whole county. I start on now today to ascer-
tain if possible when the strata changes, and this leads me to
speak of the future. I have been as good a correspondent as
possible. This letter will leave here tomorrow morning be-
fore it is light and will reach you, as I hope, on Thursday
next. I assure you that all is well hitherto, and encourages
the hope that it will continue so hereafter. But on Monday
I shall probably start on horseback and not be near my writ-
ing apparatus for a week, and then perhaps not under cir-
cumstances that will permit me to use them. With what you
now receive therefore you must rest contented for some time,
perhaps till my return, though I will write if I can. I pro-
pose as I have already mentioned to start on Monday and
travel the northern or lower part of the county and be back to
the upper part to be present at a muster next Saturday. The
ruggedness of the country renders it necessary I should go on

I A. jooulftr way ot writing ' 'meanders, ' '

Dr. MttchcWs Duu\ 21

horse-back. In about a fortnight 1 hope to pass over into
Wilkes again and cruise about there and to be home again in
five weeks from today. With regard to things at home, push
the girls along in their learning — which I acknowledge you
are ready to do. But becoming convinced, as I do, as I travel
the country, of the importance of education, I can not help feel-
ing a degree of impatience to have that of my daughters ef-
fected as rapidly as possible. Endeavor to make Sumner do
his duty in the field.

Tell Mr Hentz' I have collected two bugs for him, both, as
I believe, are common at Chapel Hill, and that I hope to col-
lect at the same rate all the time during the whole time of
my absence, so that he shall have to be extremely obliged to
me. Tell Messrs. Hooper and Phillips that having been two
such [torn] as to come to Jeffersonton and not ascend the high
mountains in the neighborhood, and enjoy the fine prospects,
the best thing they can do in order to prevent themselves from
becoming infamous in all after ages, is to mount their horses
and make the same trip again; taking in the mountains. If
you write after the receipt of this direct to Wilkesboro, Wilkes
Co. I have had some thoughts of writing an acrostic on a
certain young lady, being allured thereto chiefly by the
beauty of her name, Miss Peggy Baggy2, of Salem. I hope
you will excuse me if I do. If an opportunity offers write to

^Nicholas Marcellus Hentz, Professor of French and German in U. N.
C 1826- '31 ; immigrant from France; afterwards Principal of schools in Ohio,
Alabama, and Florida; author of a valuable monograph on the
Arachnidae. His wife, Mrs Caroline Lee Hentz, of Massachusetts,
wrote novels, popular in their day, the best being probably Aunt Patty'i
Scrap Bag.

2The oldest inhabitant does not recall the name of Peggy Baggy.
There were in 1828 four Bngge ladies in Salem, Mrs. Christine, wife of
Charles F. Bagge (sometimes called "Daddy Baggy"), and three daughters,
Antoinette Louisa, Reb.cca Matilda and Lucinda Frederica. Neither of
these is ordinarily changed into Peggy; Probably it was a childish nick-
name.

22 James Sprnnt Historical Monagraph.

Williams and Fawe to send up whatever shall come to hand,
or at least write and advise me of its arrival.

From your Affectionate Husband,

E. Mitchell.
Mrs. Sybil1 M. Mitchell.

Jefferson, July 9th, 1828, Wedns. Morning.
Mv Dear and Good Wife:

In my letter of Saturday evening- last, I gave you an ac-
count of my movements up to that time. After sealing this
letter I saw Mr. Mitchell. Sunday, I ought, perhaps, to have
collected the people of this little village (there are but eight
families of them), and preached them a sermon, but I did
not. I read, talked, walked, and a man came to see me about
minerals, whom I found it a difficulty to get clear of.

Mondaj- Morning. Started on horse-back with Mr. Mitchell
to rind where the western transition of Triassic succeeds to
the primitive rocks of this place. Passed along the great
western road, down Beaver Creek between the ends of Plum
Top and Phoenix Mountain to the North fork of N. River,
over gneisssoid, Hornblende rock and Hornblende slate, alto-
gether for about seven miles. Visited the forge3 8 miles from
town. Rocks here show characteristic gneiss. Forge gets its ore
from two places, one about 4 or 5 miles above King's Bank,
the other a similar distance below. The former one poor, as
I was told, but makes good iron, and is necessary to flux
the latter. The latter highly magnetic and appears to con-
sist of sulphuret. Forge makes 200 lbs per day, which
sells at 5 cents at the forge, but Sidney Maxwell3 told me he
got it from the workmen at 3 and 4, and that he had had the

J Dr. Mitchell often gave jocular names to members of his family.
Sybil was no part of his wife's name.

SForge long ago abandoned

^Maxwell was one of the wealthiest men in the county, left many
dependents. He lived at mouth of Richkill Greek,

Dr. MilckeWi Diary. 23

iron of Carter County delivered at 4: got our diun.
Johnstons' and at MawvrlN struck the first rocks respecting
which there could be any question that they wcrr approach-
ing" to transition, Shining Argilite. That was at 12 miles

but 2 miles further on at there was well

characterised, gneiss. After this the rocks were not distinct-
ly characterized, assumed a more earthy appearance and had
a little clay slate mixed with them. Called upon Col. Gideon
Lewis who told us of some interesting appearances at the
Bull Ruffin2. Arrived at the top of the Stone mountain where
a post indicated the Tennessee line, and had a pleasant view
of the mountains of Carter county of Tennessee. Over the
Tennessee side found rocks which are an imperfect granite
and might be referred to the primitive with as much pro-
priety as to the transition. In returning saw plenty of the
Magnetic ancient slate. Fell in with William Gray who
lives at the last house on New River, 1% miles from the top
of Stone mountain, who told us the lead mine which lies un-
der so much soil in this part of the country, is within a mile
of his house. Agreed to stop and see it, and stayed all night,
climbed a high ridge and travelled, I should judge, two miles
to the mine. Tis a small vein of Specular Oxide of Iron in
a half baked granite rock. Found the same granitic rock
elsewhere on the top of the ridge, and Gray told me they
were going to cut a pair of millstones from it. Slept all night
somewhat thicker than three in a bed.

Tuesday Morning. A tremendous rain which cleared off
when the sun was about two hours high, and we started.
Visited the ore3 Bank (King's) which is on the side of Plum
Top Mountain. The bed is in Hornblende Slate, the ore poor
and in small quantity.

Breakfasted at Maxwell's and arrived here about the middle

i Johnston was a farmer and miller.

-Ball Ruffiin, said to be a distortion of Bellerophon, a spur of the Blac^
mountain, now known as Elk.

3Not worked now.

24 James Sprunt Historical Monograph*

of the afternoon. All the houses between here and Ten-
nessee are log* huts. The North Fork winds amongst the high
steep mountains and along its banks on the little arable land
there is, the inhabitants are settled. They depend a good
deal upon their cattle which look well. They are fertile
quite to their tops and though they are covered with timbers —
large chestnuts, oaks, etc, afford a good deal of pasturage.
The}' will afford much more when the timbers come to be-
cut down. Started today on an excursion towards the Vir-

Jefferson, Friday Evening.
It is waxing late but the dread of your wrath being more
potent than the desire to sleep, I proceed to give you the rest
of these idle and unprofitable days. Major Finley1, of Wilkes,
came on Tuesday evening, and as he is going on a visit into
a region which I wished to visit and offered me his company,
I waited till the morning was far advanced before starting.
Rode up through the gap between the Phoenix and little
Phoenix Mountains. Crossed the North Fork. Gneiss, at
about a distance of about nine miles from town, where a
change in the country seemed to commence say 5 miles from
the Virginia line. Stopped at Timothy Perkins'2 on Helton's
Creek, where there was an army of maidens. I proposed
pushing on up Helton but was advised to stay and get infor-
mation at a Methodist meeting which was to be held close by
at 12. It being the middle of the harvest, but fewT peo-
ple attended, and if they had staid away it had, as it seems
to me, been as well. After service a classmeeting. I staid
and heard a reasonable amount of female screaming and vo-
ciferation, returned to Perkins' determined some ores3 for
Isaac McNab, dined rode up Helton 2 miles to 4William Per-

iSee note on Col. Finley in preceding letter.

2 Ancestor of a number of Perkinses on Helton Creek. All wealthy.

3No mines of value on McNab's land.

♦The Perkins are not only on Helton Creek but in Qrayson Co., Va,

Dr, Mitchell's Dairy. 25

kins, then hack and round to Stephen Perkins on little EL
within half a mile of the Virginia line. Found in the field two
men from Wake cutting down the wheat. Steven Perkins1
grandfather came from Connecticut. He is ;i shrewd, intel-
ligent young man and appears fully sensible of the disadvant-
age his children would labor tinder for want of a good educa-
tion. His wife. ;i wonderfully busy little woman told me that
one boy and girl of them were twins, and that since their
birth there had been three instances of the like amongst their
cousins in the neighborhood. The country swarms with
children. Was well bitten by the fleas at night. There are
no ticks here but abundance of these their brethren.

Thursday Morning. John Weaver1 came in before I was up
to have me determine some ore for him, and agreed to go with
me to the White top, an exceedingly high mountain, 3 miles
north of the, say Northwesternmost corner of N.Ca. of course
in Virginia. Went out to see Perkins' ore bank which is ex-
tensive and then while breakfast was getting ready heard an
amusing account of an old man who determined the locality
of ores by the mineral rod, and by his own account is very
busy in digging for gold and silver taken from the Whites by
the Indians, and laid up in4'subteranium chambers." Said he
greased his boots with dead men's tallow, and is prevented
from getting the treasure out not by the little spirit with head
no bigger than his two thumbs who come to blow the candle
out, but by the great old two horned devil himself. After
breakfast wound over the hills to William Perkins, then up
Helton 2Y/i miles along a new horse path and by an old plan-
tation to John Weavers. He has a wonderfully romantic
place by the side of the creek under the over-hanging rocks.
He is a bachelor of 27. His sister keeps house for him.
Another house appeared at the distance of two
miles up the creek, and we were apprised of our
approach by the rolling of drums which the boys keep to

i John Weaver was a Representative in the Legislature in 1823. The
ore is not worked.

26 James Spmnt Historical Monograph.

frighten away the cattle that are driven in here in great
numbers from Washington county, and eat up the range.
Being very wild the drum scares them so that they go heels
over head down the sides of the mountain; and a 4 year old ox
will clear a 2 year old ox at a single jump. Two or three miles
more another house, and then a mile brought us to the top.
Here were a few trees ( of Spruce I believe ) but most
of the top is fine pasture land covered with white
clover and cattle, and commanding an extensive pros-
pect of the mountains of Carolina and of the rich
country west upon Holston in Washington county, and look-
ing from the height at which we stood like a garden separ-
ated into its different compartments. This mountain is evi-
dently in the transition formation. I found grey rocks and
grey rock slate around its base. The summit rocks are rather
flinty, and I did not understand them well. But for the bleak-
ness and cloudiness of the situation one does not see why
there might not be a plantation on the very summit of the
mountain. The soil is black, moist and fertile. A copious
spring bursts out within a stones throw of the summit. Here
the strawberries are just ripe, and I gathered and ate a num-
ber. Saw a number of plants which were new to me, but had
neither the time nor the means for examining them. The
Grandfather mountain, as I supposed it to be, with a craggy
and irregular summit was seen at the south, and the other
ridges of Burke and Buncombe farther west and apparently as
high as the Grandfather. Arrived at Weaver's again about
the middle of the afternoon, exceedingly fatigued having
walked according to Weaver, 10 but as I suppose 12 miles in
my great heavy boots. Mounted my horse and rode to the
north of Helton 10 miles, and fording that stream, as I was
told, for I did not undertake, to count, 32 times in the distance,
and then down the North Pork to 'Col. Meredith Ballou's.

iMeredith Ballou, a Frenchman, came to Ashe about A. D. 1800, and
died in 1847, bought nearly all the valuable iron ore in the county. He
was an influential man, a surveyor of note, and was for a while County

Dr. Mitchell's Diary

This ride was \rr\ pleasant. A craggyclifi occupied now one

tide, now the other side of the river, generally overhanging- the
stream. The other side presented a narrow strip of low ground,
fertile, sometimes in a state of nature, sometimes cultivated —
the cultivated land extending some distance up the hill side
and sometimes an old field, but covered with clover, how dif-
ferent from the old fields of Lower Carolina. The soil of
Ashe at least on this side of New river is certainly fertile as
is proved by the size of the trees that spring- up from it. A
ride in the deep valleys of such a country with the blue tops
of mountains appearing- everywhere, then around a stream as
clear as crystal dashing- over its rocky bed close by you and
reminding- you of its existence, at least by its murmur, and a
cloudless sky over-head, in a summer evening- cannot be un-
pleasant except that those whom one loves may not be present
to partake of the enjoyment. And it at least affords one an
opportunity to fall into a reverie and think about them. The
object of this day's labor was to ascertain the coming- in of
the transition rocks which I had supposed before I left home
to occupy the whole of Ashe county, and which I soon find to
occupy only a diminutive part of it. Near the Blue Ridg-e,
as I travelled, the rocks appeared to be chiefly mica slate,
about here they are Horneblende slate and Gneissoid Horne-
blende rocks. This is succeeded on the N. West by Gneiss
proper and the g-neiss g-ives place to an intermediate rock
preparatory to the transition. The commencement of the
change may be stated to occur at 9 miles north and 12 miles

Surveyor. He left sous and daughters, all of whom bad families. Among
his sons was Napoleon Ballon to whom he deeded all his mineral interests
a year before be died and Napoleon endeavored by will to entail his prop-
erty, but the will was broken. There was also litigation over the purchase
of his interests at a Sheriff's sale Many prominent lawyers were em-
ployed on one side or the other of the various Ballon suits, including two
concerning the will of Meredith Ballon. It is said that Napoleon once re-
fused $50,000 cash for his interests. The old forge is not worked now and
has not been for years. A grandson of the old Frenchman, Albert Lucien
Ballon, was a lav/ student of the University of N. 0. in 1903.

■

28 James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

West from here as the road runs, but I found Grey wracke
only at the foot of the White Top Mountain, and within 2}i
miles of Stone Mountain in the ridge containing- the bed ore
(in ditches). I did not find it at all on the road leading* to
Perkin's.

Col. Meredith Ballou, at whose house I put up on Thurs-
day, is of French extraction, a native of Amherst County in
Virginia. He owns a forge — is a busy, active' little man
still, though 61 years of age, and the father of eleven sons
and two daughters by a wife 13 years younger than himself,
and looks as if she might still bear a number of children more.
Between the ages of his oldest and youngest daughter there
is a difference of 30 years. Fell into a dispute with him
about an ore of iron (the micaceous oxide) which he asserted
to contain lead. He tells me the first forge erected in this
country was built on Helton creek a little above where he
lives about 20 years ago by one Tarbert. Shortly after an-
other was built still higher on the same creek; 14 years ago;
that on Little River and 4 or 6 years ago that visited on Mon-
day on the western road. Friday morning, rode down the
river 3 or 4 miles to see his forge and the ore bank on Weaver's
land, which has been taken by 'Zachariah Baker, the last
year's representative from Ashe, for a silver mine from which
he was to derive inexhaustible wealth. It proved to be a thin
crust of Brown Hematite disseminated through a rock and in
such small quantities that it can never be worth working.
After dinner Ballou rode out with us two or three miles to
see his ore banks which are numerous and rich. Indeed, I
judge the range of gneiss heretofore spoken of to be full of
ore. Ballou inquired whether I was a professor of religion —
said he was not himself, but of the two sects into which the
country was divided is most inclined to the Baptist. He spoke

iZachariah Baker was a Representative in the Legislature, 182(5, 1827
and 1820. He was also Sheriff. His description of a bad season, "we have

no weather but variatable weather, which is the d 1 weather of all

weathers," is still remembered,

br. Miichcir> but i4

of the Methodist camp meeting- held annually near Timothy
Perkins' where I attended meeting', said that at the last meet-
ing two men, one of those a member of the Methodist church,
ipere witnesses of tin* pranks of a distinguished preacher. He
went into a hut in the dusk of the evening where there v.
young- woman, a sister in the Methodist communion. He
threw one arm around her neck and put the other upon her
bosom. She removed it and he replaced it. She removed it
again and he replaced it again; then finding that he was ob-
served he struck up a sort of Psalm "I wished to try her faith.
Halleujah praise the Lord." With this precious piece of scan-
dal, I close my letter, observing only that I arrived here just
at dark and have been eating, shaving and writing ever
since.

Saturday Morning. Started after an early breakfast for
the settlement of the Three-Forks 23 miles S. West of this
where there is to be a muster to-day, along with 'Phillips —
not the celebrated Irish orator but a constable of the county
of Ashe. Passed some good plantations within the first six
miles, then entered upon a district of mica slate and Magne-
sium rocks — Ridgy without being mountainous or picturesque-
barren and uninhabited — this continued until I was within 4
miles of the Three-Forks settlement where the gneissoid Horn-
blende rock and good soil reappeared. Put up at "Robert Sher-
er's, a Baptist and a worthy and intelligent man, a native of
the N. Western part of Orange. Saw and became acquainted
with a number of people — Dr. Reaser of Tennessaee who
brought me a number of specimens of ore — Mr. Calloway —
Elijah Calloway3, Esq.; I beg his pardon, formerly a member

iCaleb Phillips — killed by Federal bushwhackers near the close of the
Civil war.

2Robert Shearer was a prominent man of his day. Left many descen-
dants.

•^Elijah Calloway was a representative in the Legislature six terms,
1812-17 and Senator five times, 1818, 1819, 1821, 1828. 1824 His son,
James Calloway was Representative 1828, 1829, 1830, 1831. This family

M) James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

of the legislature from this county and having a son not yet
21 a candidate. He is regarded here as a gentleman, and is a
member of the Baptist church. He told me he and Dr.Caldwell
were great friends, and that he was a great preacher — asked if
he did not preach in the city of Lunnon, [London] and thought
that he was a preacher there. Said he had always been a
great friend of the University. Having obtained the leave of
the candidates I explained in a stump speech to the people
assembled the object of my visit to Ashe. Walked out to-
wards night 3 miles to a spot on the west side of the S.
Fork of North River on the lands of John Cook to see some
asbestoid rocks. On my return found at Shearer's Mr. 2Smith
who was at Chapel Hill last winter, who proposed to me to
start today for Watauga and ascend the Grandfather tomorrow
but as I excused myself to him on account of tomorrow's be-
ing Sunday, he stayed until I was ready— also a Mr. Earth-
ing, son of Reverend Wm. Farthing of the Baptist Church in
Wake county., who died last winter at his home at the foot of
Stone Mauntain — also Mr. Shearer's pretty daughter and her
husband, a goodnatured sort of a fellow, not half good
enough for her. This Glen Fork settlement is about 23 miles
from Jefferson and is a considerable body of good land. A
good road runs across the mountain here passing through the
'Deep Gap, and thence down within two or three miles of the
Watauga river to the Tennessee line. A Baptist meeting
house is only about 2 or 300 yards off at which by an appoint-
ment given out on the muster ground I am to preach tomorrow.
Sunday Morning. After breakfast as we were sitting in
the Piazza, an old gander named Ellwood (I don't know how
to spell his name.) called in with a keg in a bag in which he

was of long continued influence John Calloway was one of the first
Representatives and Senators . In the early days also was Joseph and in
more modern days Benjamin and B. O Galloway.

2John O. Smith, of Cumberland county.

3Rev Wm. Farthing left many descendants, many of them preachers of
local reputation.

/),. \i,tchrir> bJaty, M

bad brought whiskey to sell at the muster yesterday. Found
abundance of fault with Mr. 'Mitchell the candidate, and
also with 'Baker the other candidate. When about to go he
was asked to stay for preaching — "No, he hadsaid yesterday he
was not going to hear him preach-r-no man never could attend
to everything." I told him he seemed to be descended from
Ishmael— his hand was against every man. I hoped that every
man's hand is not against him. Smith tells me this same fel-
low raised a report on the muster ground yesterday — that I
received from the state 9,000 dollars for passing through and
looking at the rocks. Preached at 12 to a considerably at-
tentive congregation. After dinner rode down 10
miles to Watauga. Smith purchased a bottle of brandy and
put it in my saddlebags. Stopped at the distance of a mile at
3Hardin\s (he is a candidate for a seat in the Senate.) to avoid
a shower of rain and again at Council's store to collect our
company, which finally amounted to 7 — The two candidates,
Mitchell and Calloway, Smith and Myself,Farthing, a person,
name not known, and 4Noah Mast, to whose father's on
Watauga we are going. The prospect in some places where
the chestnuts now in bloom grow upon rich grounds on the
declivities of the mountains, and are covered with a most
luxuriant foliage, is enchanting. Council's store was open,
some were hunting, a waggon hauling plank; Mitchell and
Calloway electioneered by the way, and, as I was riding on
Sunday, with what propriety could I reprehend these things.
And yet it seemed necessary, on Mr. Smith's account, that I
should ride. Passed from the deep gap road about 3 miles to

i Anderson Mitchell, afterwards Judge. He was elected, was a Repre-
sentative two years, then Senator.

2See note above.

sjohn Harden was elected. He had served previously in the lower
House, was an influential man, was afterwards owner and operator of the
Cranberry Iron Works.

*The Masts, and Henry Holtsclaw were good citizens, and left
families — among them merchants, farmers and stock raisers, all success-
ful and reliable. Noah Mast was afterwards State Senator.

%2 James Sprunt Historical Monograph).

Mr. Mast's and observed a discontinuance in the gneissoid
horneblende rocks at this point and a commencement of others
which appeared to be in [torn] of the transition. The low
grounds on the Watauga above the Stone Mountains are wide,
tho' they cease at the mountains or a little above, and on these
low grounds Mr. Mast (a German ) has a good plantation and
a son settled both above and below him. Young- Mast sent
out for Henry Holtsclaw who agreed to accompany us to
Grandfather tomorrow and then to go on with Mr. Smith to
the old fields of Tow. We heard of a family in which was a
young- lady, apparently about 20, tolerably g-ood looking-, and
who is the Grace or Goddess that Collin's speaks of in his ode
to the Passions "with a bosom bare." There were two little
children, the young-est of whom, Smith tells me, is the result
of a 4ifox paw" [fauxpas] of Mademoiselles. She refused to
tell who was its father, but his identity is well understood. I
am told that when she found herself preg-nant she asked him
to marry her, telling him at the same time that if he did not
take her then, but left her to bear the scandal alone, she never
would have him — that he is willing- to marry her now but can-
not g-et her. Both the mother and the child seem to be treated
with tenderness and affection by the family, and what is
most strange her brother is said to be on the most inti-
mate terms with his sister's seducer. The young
woman appears to feel her situation. It appears at
first sight very unreasonable that a trangression of this kind
should be attended with such fatal consequences to the one
party and, instead of being regarded as a disgrace, be some-
times almost gloried in by the other. And yet I think it is
partly by the appointment of the Creator himself, and there-
fore, for good reasons, as well as by the custom and fashion
of society, that it is so. Reference is evidently had in every-
thing relating to these matters to the welfare of the children
and to a provision for their sustenance and support. This
demands affection on the part of both the parents. But in
order that this should be strong and unswerving, it is needful

Dr. \f,/</,r//\ l),ar\ U

that there be no uncertainty about the parentage oi the child
that neither husband nor wife may be in danger o! bestowing
their affection u|>on the offspring of others. Bui <>n the part
of the wife there can be no doubt. Sin can never be in dan-
ger of nursing her husband's illegitimate children for her

own. The only security a husband has is found in the purity
of his wife's character before her marriage an assurance
that he possesses her affection now and an experience of her
veracity. Hence, I am inclined to believe by the appointment
of God, a man has a greater horror of sharing- the person of
the woman he loves with, another man than a woman has oi
sharing with a woman, though the principle or feeling- origin-
ally thus influenced is doubtless strengthened by the institu-
tions of society. And hence incontinence before marriag-e
by diminishing- the security the husband should have of the
fidelity of his wife after marriag-e sinks her value so much in
the society of which she is a member, and is in fact a great-
er crime in a woman than in a man. If it be said that it is
still unreasonable that she should suffer so much more, the
truth of the assertion may be denied for whilst men have
man}' hardships to undergo in the field and other places to
which she is not called — her education points very much to
one of the great objects of her existence, the continuance of
the species. Man is tempted in the affairs of life in a thous-
and different ways. Nearly all her temptations have refer-
ence to one thing — unswerving virtue in regard to this one
thing, and therefore with her one principal point of morality
and religion, and if she falls here she is taught to expect that
her fall will be great; it is reasonable th.it it should be great.
I do not mean all the while to excuse the hard-hearted and
unfeeling indifference with which a man will for a brief trans-
port of passion sacrifice the happiness of ;i fellow being for
months and years, and then look with a cold and indifferent
eye upon the ruin of which he is the author. I wish it to be
strongly emphasized upon my daughters that where a woman

34 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

is concerned, no man is to be trusted — every man is half a
demon.

Monday Morning-. Foggy, cloudy and rainy; purchased a
small bear skin from Mr. Mast. At nine proceeded a small
distance up the creek to where one of the young- Masts keeps
bachelor's hall, when a bad rain coming on we stopped and I
agreed for a tickler of balsam, for which I afterwards paid a
dollar. Started soon after, thoug-h it still rained and our
g-uide was rather unwilling to proceed, and indeed, we were
thoroug-hly wet when we g-ot two or three miles up to Robert
Barnhill's, originally from Mecklenburg-. In the neighbor-
hood is a hunter who has two women living- with him; to one
of them he owes and to the other he gratuitously discharges
the duties of a husband; one has 3 children, and the other one
and another near at hand. 'Tis a terrible region for these
irregularities. The Leather Stocking of these regions, and
whom we would have had as a pilot, but that he is in the
woods, has a wife living on Sandy River in Kentucky, and
the children of that wife and another woman living with him
here on the Watauga. Another hunter, has a wife living in
N. Ca., and supports or keeps the only daughter of a man
who lives in Tennessee. In a rude hunter's state of society,
the women become schquaws, very pretty ones, but schquaws
notwithstanding. We had still 8 or 9 miles to go to the top
of Grandfather. We passed on over one ridge after another,
winding through the woods over logs and rocks, and through
laurels, walking when we could not ride, passing some mount-
ains and knobs with very indecent names, seeing only one
small deerwhich we did notkill, crossing the head of Linville
river which flows into the Catawba, and arrived at the foot of
Grandfather, where we were obliged to leave our horses,
about one o'clock. The Linville and Watauga head up under
the mountain, and from the place, where we took our dinner,
we could get water from either, within two or three hundred
yards. Of course we were on the summit ot the Blue Ridge.
The ascent of the mountain is roug-h, thickety and disagre-

Dr. MUckeW* Dairy. 3$

able. Steep, perpendicular cliffs in places bui in general not

very difficult. About half way up we met with a Kir-I>alsam
tree. It is sometimes a foot and a half in thickness and pretty
tall. The balsam resides in small blisters or cavities in the
substance of the bark which are cut out and the precious fluid
passed into a vial. They say that the exudation obtained in
the same way as common turpentine has not the same proper-
ties— but I have my doubts. It is the panacea or universal
remedy of the mountains -cures wounds, rheumatism, flux, el
cetera. It grows quite to the top but it is stunted and smaller
there, and along" with one other tree occupies exclusively the
highest points. The summit of the mountain is moist and
wet, producing carexes which I wished to but could not study.
Holtsclaw had been often upon it but only in search of bears
of which it is the favorite winter retreat. The}* retire to dens
in the cliffs in December and come out in February, passing
the time in sleep. This is time for the hunters to rind their
retreats and take them out. They lose nothing of their fat-
ness, and their flesh is thought to acquire additional delicacy;
they have nothing in their bowels during their sleep — I write
this at Jefferson, July 11, Friday. I leave today for the lower
end of the county where I hope to go out to the Elkspur
Gap on Saturday into Wilkes.

I thank you for your letter. I may write again from Wilkes.

Yours, E. Mitchki.i..

Wilkesboro, July 20th. 1828. Sund. Eve.
My Dear and Good Wife:

In my last which leaves this tomorrow morning I informed
you of all things whether good or ill that have befallen me
down to Monday Evening the 14. when I am received in this
place a second time and put up at Mr. Massey's where Messrs.

iQld iiaine for dysentery.

-Rev. Wm. Hooper, Professor of Ancient Languages and Rev. James
Phillips, Professor of Mathematics in the U. N. 0. Both were afterwards
Doctors of Divinity.

$6 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

Hooper and Phillips staid— to their great satisfaction last
year. Wilkesboro lies near the Yadkin. The river makes
something- of a bend and approaches the town. From the
water's edge a steep hill rises suddenly and it is on the south
side of this hill (sloping gradually)that the town is built. It
contains 19 dwelling houses; a new courthouse and goal.
Massey's is a pleasant place to stay at when he is at home.
He is of a quaker family but was led astray by the bright
black eyes of a Moabitish or Presbyterian damsel. He mar-
ried out of the society and of course ceased to be connected
with it. His wife is really pretty, but what astonishes me is
that she has found it out. Found out the man Mr. McKenzie1
who sent me the specimens from Wilkes a year or two ago—
Originally a tailor secondly an officer in the army — lieutenant
— and thirdly doctor and mineralogist, He lives a little out
of town and supports his large family with some difficulty.

Tuesday morning. Rode up the river to see Gen. Stokes and
Col Wellborn. Their father-in-law Hugh Montgomery* owned
one of the finest plantations on the river. They married sis-
ters, and this plantation wns divided among them. 3Stokes

'Dr. McKenzie owned Flint Knob lead and silver mine about 15 miles
west of Wilkesboro, It is now owned by Col Allen Brown and Mr. Sam-
uel L. Patterson. Mr McKenzie mortgaged other land to raise money
wherewith to operate his mine, but had little success. Hunters used to
get lead here for their rifles.

2Hugh Montgomery lived at Salisbury; was the friend and champion of
the Moravians, who owned large bodies of land where Wilkesboro and
Moravian Falls are now located, and elsewhere. It was charged that they
were not loyal during the Revolution, especially as their trustee, Frederick
William von Marshall was out of the United States — Their lands were
entered and claimed by others, and Montgomery caused suits to be brought
1 or them and after long litigation won them. He had a large slice of the
lands for his compensation. The attorney he employed had the odd name
of B. Boothe Boot. He had two daughters who shared between them his
estate.

3General Moutfort Stokes, born 1760, in Halifax, Virginia, county,
served in the navy under Commodore Decatur, was captured and had
much suffering as a prisoner; after the war settled in Salisbury and was

Dr. Mitchell" > Diary. 37

is considerably the oldest. They have not formerly agreed
very well but are said to be on good terms now. 'Wellborn is
nearest to town— only two miles off. Called on him. He
offered me breakfast — whiskey and then feeding- of my horse,
but I declined them all. Showed me some minerals and I
went on to Gen Stokes' two miles farther. What Wellborn's
rv;il character is I cannot make out. He has been a member
of the Baptist church and will now allow of no swearing- about
him. He left the church under the idea that he was unfit to
remain in it. He seems to have arelig-ious paroxysm. He is
a candidate, a furious Jacksonite and a prompt bold man. At
Gen Stokes' I was treated with great kindness. I used to
wonder why he was so much put forward in the state but it
now appears. He is a very pleasant man of g-ood sense. His
wife appears much young-er than himself. He was born 20 or
30 miles above Petersburg- in Virginia and was a sailor in his
youth. In his family he has been exceedingly unfortunate —
perhaps this is not the proper word. He has been a great
card player and is at present a great swearer himself so that
we may conjecture what their education has been. In addi-
tion to this I suspeci. some defect in the moral and physical
constitution of the young men themselves. One, Hugh M.

Clerk of the Superior Court; was then Principal Clerk of the Senate, and
from 1815 to 1823 United States Senator and Representative in 1829
and 1830. He was then elected Governor twice 1830 and 1831 President
Jackson then appointed him Indian Agent in Arkansas where he residtd
until his death in 1842. His first wife was sister of Captain Henry Irwin,
who fell at Germantown. They had a daughter who, after the death of
her fir&t husband, Hugh Chambers, married Wm. B. Lewis, of Nashville,
Tenu., a warm friend and adviser of President Jackson, the head of the
"Kitchen Cabinet." By his Montgomery wife he had five sons and five
daughters His son, Montfort S. Stokes was a Major in the Mexican war
and Colonel in our Civil war and was mortally wounded on the Chicka-
hominy. Mr. C. V Hunt aud children are the only descendants of Gover-
nor Stokes.

J Col. James Wellborn was often State Senator. He advocated ineffect-
ually the construction by the state of a road from Beaufort to the mount*
sins.

38 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

was educated at Chapel Hill and is now a lawyer in Morgan-
ton. He is said to possess respectable talents but is intemper-
ate. I was told of his refomation as I passed through
Morganton last year. As we were conversing freely about
his children I told him I had understood that Hugh1 had
reformed. He said he had hoped so — had sent him on his cir-
cuit with Judge Donnell with high expectations but on his re-
turn he had staid at Morganton instead of coming home and
he well knew but feared to ask for what. Another 2son is a
midshipman in the navy and by the father's account will never
be more than a midshipman, a third3 is at West Point and I
gathered from his father not succeeding very well, a 'fourth
is at home. I told him I intended to give my children the
best education in nry power and then if they did not succeed,
not to permit it to trouble me — he said I could not help it —
and I suppose he was right. He gave me some information
respecting the running the line first by 5Strother and Co.
to painted rock and then by himself, Dr. Caldwell and others
along the great Smoky mountains. After dinner rode out to

iHugh Montgomery Stokes graduated at our University in 1816, in the
class among others of Dr. Francis L. Hawks and Senator Willie P. Man-
gum; was a Representative in the Legislature in 1819 — died early. The
Judge was John R Donnell— first honor graduate at the U. N. O. in 1807.

2David, according to Wheeler, was dismissed from the navy and entered
the revenue marine service.

:*Thomas J. married on Wilkes county, and removed to Tennessee; did
not graduate.

4Montford Sidney Stokes was for five years a midshipman in the U. S.
navy, resigned and settled in Wilkes, was a major in the Mexican and a
Colonel in the Civil war. He was mortally wounded at the battle of the
Chicahominy.

5 The commissioners appointed by the act of 1796 were Colonel Joseph
McDowell, of Quaker Meadows, David Vance, grandfather of Z. B. Vance,
and Mussendine Matthews, speaker of the House. Strother, who made a
map of the State, was an assistant. According to the Act confirming their
action they located the line to the Smoky— Under the Act of 1819 for con-
tinuing the location the Governor was authorized to appoint the commis-
sioners and their names do not appear in the printed laws. John Steele,

Dr. Mitchell's Diary. 39

see Muhals Forge and Ore Bank; the Forge (not yet com-
pleted) is the only one in the county. The ore bank is 2 or 3
miles off; the ore appears to be tolerably good though not of
the first quality and has been manufactured into iron pretty
extensively at Beard's Forge in Burke. There seems to be a
series of beds of iron, one lying on this side of the Brushey
Mountains, on one of the spurs of which Michals ore
Bank is extending like everything else in this country from
N. E. to S. West — ; returned to town — and took tea at Major
Finlev's where I saw 'Col. Patterson and his wife — grand-
daughter of Gen. Lenoir.

Wednesday Morning. The repairs of my wagon not being
yet completed I did not start till about eleven. In the mean-
time walked out to see the Wilkesboro mineral spring. 'Tis
only some water that oozes through some earth and leaves
that has been brought down from the road, and that it con-
tains perhaps a little iron has little to recommend it besides
its dirty nauseous taste. Started at eleven with Dr. McKen-
zie and passed up the river, found the rocks mostly Gneiss the
whole day and indeed throughout this whole excursion; found
iron on the road 6 miles from town in white flint rock. Near
Millers when we crossed the river McKenzie told me there
was a bank of Porcelain clay; I did not visit it. Passed
Stonecyplus an old bachelor who they say knows where there
is lead in the mountain near but will give no account of it.
Left my waggon at Dyck Jones, and went on a couple
of miles further to John Lipps and then up the creek a mile
and a half further to see some black lead. Found a little in
the granite rocks but none of any value. Was told by Lipps

Montfort Stokes and Robert Burton were appointed in 1813, and the next
year General Thomas Love, General Montfort Stokes and Colonel John
Patten, to mark the boundary between North and South Carolina. Presi-
dent Caldwell assisted as astronomer.

iGeneral Samuel Finley Patterson, State Treasurer, 1835-'37; President
Raleigh and Gaston Rail Road. State Senator, 1846- '50. His wife w&$
daughter of Colonel Edmond Jones,

40 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

m ■

of the garnet on the lands of Church, his father-in-law,

who lives just under the Blue Ridge. Returned to Jones's
and got an excellent cup of coffee. Anderson Mitchell and
another Lipps came in with specimens chiefly from flat Knob
amongst which I found rich characterized Sappare or Kyan-
ite.

Thursday Morning Crossed over through a barren country
to the river which we had left and then up the river to xGen.
Jones where we arrived about noon or a little after. It is not
difficult to account for the deterioration of the 4t Range " of
which people are continually complaining in this part of the
country. Two causes operate in the production of this effect.
1. Since the country has been cleared and plantations laid
out it will not answer to burn the woods as formerly for fear
of destroying the fences and the consequence is that the small
undergrowth is not destroyed as it used to be — the woods be-
come thicker and not like an orchard as they are in the indian
country — and thus herbage of all kinds being shaded does not
grow and flourish. 2. Of the different kinds of herbage those
suited to the sustenance of cattle as the pea-vine and natural
grasses are fast devoured and both become less vigorous in
their growth and are prevented from going to seed whilst the
contrary effect is produced upon the bitter unpalatable weeds.
Thus our woods become thick also and shady and the little
herbage they produce is not fitted to the sustenance of cattle.
Passed Gen. Lenoir's — 2(G]d Fort Defiance) and stopped at the

iThe Jones family came from Oulpepper County, Virginia. There were
five brothers, Oatlett, Thomas, George, Hugh and Edmund. Thomas and
George lived in South Carolina. Edmund, known as General Edmund
Jones, was often State Senator and Representative. He was father of
Edmund W. Jones, State Senator and Member of the Convention of 1861,
and grandfather of Edmund Jones, who was in the Confederate army, a
Representative in the Legislature and a Trustee of the University.

2General Wm Lenoir, Lieutenant in Rutherford's Expedition against
the Cherokees; Captain at King's Mountain; 1st President of the Board of
Trustees of U. N. C. President of the Senate, 1790- '94. Member of Con-
stitutional Conventions of 1788 and 1789; Ghairm.au of County Court of

Of. MUchtWi Diary. 41

house of his son-in-law Gen. Jones' to <linner. The Gen. out
electioneering. A man of wealth — has two sons one" at Hills-
boro with Mr. I.ingham and the younger with Mr. Gay. His
daughters all married, two <>l them at table — one recently
wedded to Lawyer Henry of Greenville district S. Co. origin-
ally a Yankee? and a well enough man, the other — the young-
est stole a march upon her parents and married her cousin
Larkin Jones described to me by McKenzie as the smartest
young man that has been raised in Wilkes. After his mar-
riage was raised into favour and went on last winter to attend
the medical lectures at Philadelphia and the agitation pro-
duced by the sudden and unexpected return of her husband at
night caused a miscarriage from which she is still feeble.
After a thunderstorm, occurring whilst we were at dinner,
was over, obtained a horse and rode accompanied by a son of
Catlett, the General's brother, to Gidding's old place to see
some ore said to be there — the distance 10 miles. For two or
three miles the country was tolerably open but the hills after-
wards closed in upon us and we wound our way beneath them
beside the river bank and were finally obliged to cross one or
two pretty considerable ridges in order to reach our place of
destination. A ride of this kind to one accustomed to the
monotonous sameness of the Low Country is pleasant and
agreeable and would have been highly so to me but for a

Wilkes. Major General of Militia. A street in Raleigh, a county
and town are named in his honor. The plantation is now owned by
Thomas B. Lenoir, a grandson over 80 years

There was a fort in the forks of Yadkin called Waddell in honor of
General Hugh Waddell. Probably the name was changed to Fort Defiance,
but there may have been two. Erected against the Indians.

iGen. Edmund Jones — see preceding note — The General was running
for the Senate. Was beaten in 1828 by James Wellborn, but was success-
ful two years afterward.

2Col. Edward Walter Jones, at Bingham's and Rufus at Gay's. Law-
yer Henry was James Edward Henry of Spartanburg, S. C, His wife was
Elizabeth. Larkin Jones, who with his cousin "stole a march" on the Gen-
eral, was a distinguished physician of Charlotte, N. C .

42 James Sfirunt Historical Monograph,

shower that fell. xGiddings old place, now occupied by three
men of the name of Harrison — a father and his three sons, is a
fine sample of what is called in the mountains a Cove. The
Yadkin is here a brawling- mountain stream and the moun-
tain instead of coming up close to it recedes so as to leave a
handsome plantation of level land along its banks. Here is a
fine peach and apple orchard and as pleasant a spot but for
its situation as is to be found in the country. But the only
access to it is by a trail or foot-path leading over a mountain
ridge. Tis a very valley of Wyoming — the place for a per-
son to retire to, who has been illtreated by the world and is
disgusted with it — the place for him to retire to and not be
happy. I recommended it as a retreat to Lawyer Henry —
telling him how finely he could shoot bears for his wife to eat
and get fine skins to warm her — the orchard would also furn-
ish fine whiskey for her as well as the field the best of wheat
and he could present the whole to her as the product of his
own labor and a testimonial of his love. But he did not seem
to approve of the plan. We did not leave the place before
sun-down and had then to wind our way over the hills and
down the river ten miles but it was a fine moon-light night.
We reached home after the family had all retired to rest but
found a good supper ready for us.

Friday Morning. Started after breakfast and rode down to
Catlett Jones's2 [torn] took in Dr. McKenzie — rode down to
Tommy Tripletts3 to dinner and then to Wilkesboro. This
upper valley of the Yadkin is delightful. From half a mile
to a mile broad — bounded by ranges of mountains of mod-
erate elevation — the Brushey mountains on one side and a
small chain parallel to the Blue Ridge on the other — the
land is very fertile — pleasant to cultivate and produces im-

iProbably a plantation called Goshen, eight miles above Wilkesboro
now owned by Mr. Columbus Williams. It was once owned by " Tommy
Triplett."

2See note about the Jones family.

3 A substantial and good citizen.

[)>. MitchtlVs Diary. 43

mense quantities of corn. The river is here a stream of
moderate size and rushes rapidly along over its gravelly bed —
the air is salubrious and healthy and the soil occupied by
mm v respectable farms, Col. Davenport', Gen. Jones, Gen.
Lenoir, Major Witherspoon, Col. Catlett Jones, Capt. Dula
and others — (it is not a war-Hke neighborhood these military
titles to the contrary notwithstanding). They want only an
evangelical clergyman of good abilities and learning and a
respectable academy to make this valley a very
desirable place of residence — but these important requi-
sites I fear they will not soon have. Tommy Triplett is an
unbeliever who cannot read and an honest kind man as Mr.
Kenzie tells me. From him I had another edition of the story
about lead found at the north of Stoney Fork within a mile of
him, 12 miles from Wilkesboro. An old hunter parted from
his company was scouring about and fell upon a place where
the indians had cut lead from the bottom of the branch and a
bag of their bullets was hanging from the tree, but he was
never able (as he neglected to mark the spot) to find it again.
Such in substance is the account that I have received in so
many different places and from so many different persons that
I am ready to knock down the man who shall tell the tale
again. To compensate me however in part he told me of
some passages between himself and a mineral-rod man, a race
of vermin who infest this country and share the confidence of
the people so that it is a constant question when they learn
that I am concerned with the metals — whether I will under-
take to find where those substances lie hid in the bowels of

ila consequence of the war-like spirit engendered by the Revolutionary
war and that of 1812 the militia was kept up in considerable efficiency. Mil-
itary offices were evidence of high standing in the community. All these
men were' men of substance and of influence in the upper Yadkin coun-
try—called the Happy Valley. Col Wm. Davenport, Hon. James O. Har-
• 11 S. F. Patterson and Col. Edmund Jones in 1852 established the
Yadkin Valley High School under Captain E. W. Faucette, an excellent
teacher. Davenport Female College was established in 1855- '6 and named
in honor of Colonel Davenport.

44 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

the earth. Triplett proposed to one of these gentry to find
his lead mine at the mouth of Stonej Creek and promised a
reward of one hundred dollars if he would do so. He readily
engaged to undertake the task but said it might lie deep. No I
said Triplett, it is within two feet of the surface. But the
large body of the ore may lie deep and in that case my rods
will be drawn to it notwithstanding this search for ore ris-
ing to the surface. Triplett appearing incredulous he said
he would find any money about the house. He was told that
5 silver dollars should be hid in the field and he should deposit
5 more in the hands of a third person and if he could by his
art find the five he should have the whole ten — if not he was
to forfeit his own five. The smallness of the sum was an ob-
jection at first but he appeared equally backward when it was
proposed to substitute 20 instead of five. The fellow in Ashe
urged the strange objection to the mineral rod viz, that if the
metals had any power of attracting the twigs all the branches
would be stripped from the trees. Here at Tripletts there
was an old Capt. Duncan from Milledgeville in Georgia who
appeared to be a man of truth and told some stories of the
revolution and the wars of which be had borne a part and of
antecedent events, of Col. Morgan and Col. Cresap. Accord-
ing to him Mr. Jefferson's story of1 Logan, the indian chief, is
extremely incorrect. The indians had been plundering the
white settlements and Duncan and others went down to drive
them off, falling upon their encampment. Duncan for the first
time "burnt powder" at the human, fired the first gun and
killed a large indian. Others were killed and a foolish Dutch-

iPublished in Notes on Virginia. Logan, or Tali gah jute, stated that
"Colonel Cresap, in cold blood and unprovoked, murdered all the relatives
of Logan, not even sparing women and children." His letter to the Peace
Commission was very pathetic Probably Captain Duncan gives the more
correct account of the cause of the war. The war began in 1744 and was
accompanied by fearful barbarities. Logan is said to have killed 30 with his
own hand. He was killed after some years while attacking a relative in
drunken frenzy. "Col. Morgan" was probably when Duncan knew him
General David Morgan, the hero of Cowpens.

Dr. Mitchell's Diary. 45

man levelled his gun at a squaw and though told not to
shoot it was a white man's squaw he blazed away and killed
her. This was the sister of Logan and her death was what
roused him.

On my return to Wilkesboro walked down to examine the
white spots in the bank below town, found them to be spots
in the granite in which the Feldspar greatly predominated.
Col. Waugh' offered me his horse to ride out to the Brushey
mountains tomorrow and Dr. Satterwhite engaged to accom-
pany me.

Saturday Morning. Started after breakfast for the Brushey
Mountains Dr. Satterwhite and Dr. McKenzie and Mr. aMor-
eau — called here Marou. Passed the vineyard which Moreau
had planted on the mountain on land granted I believe by the
state for this purpose. He is a native of Alsace, a tailor,
and, as Gen. Stokes informs me, not much acquainted with the
cultivation of the vine. The yard certainly presents but
a sorry appearance which he attributed to the delay inci-
dent to the distance of Wilkesboro from the place where the
shoots were cut in Pennsylvania. The vineyard is shortly
(next year) to be removed to the top of the mountain
and Moreau is to devote all his time to it. I believe he
will be tired of it although he is spoken of as a very
industrious and worthy man. The Brushey mount-
ains are higher than I supposed — furnish some grand
table land 3 or 4 miles across and some fine prospects. The
black lead3 is on their southern side near the Iredell line —
was recently discovered breaking from the ground by the

JColonel Wm. Waugh, emigrated from Pennsylvania; merchant; part-
ner with Major Finley, had branch stores in Ashe, Caldwell, Cherokee and
Jonesboro, Tennessee. Cwned Moravian Falls where he had a handsome
brick residence, flour mills, the best in the country, saw mill, &c. Never
was married.

2A Frenchman. The vineyard was a failure. Some species of his
grapes are still left in the community, said to be very flue,
3Now owned by Mr. John Love. Not worked;

46 James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

side of a foot-path by a girl Miss . Her father has dug*

up a quantity but made only a small hole in so doing- — so that
it has been very little explored. It occurs in nodules in the
soil and it is likely there is a good deal of it. It is on the
land of a Mr. Davis. Returned by a different route — passed
the grave of a negro who was whipped to death two or three
years ago by his master and another man who took him from
jail and left him dead in the road and [torn] . Passed the
seat of Col. Waugh's saw Mill 5 or 6 miles from town. It is a
wonderful seat formed by beds of gneiss rock crossing the
Moravian creek. Supped at Dr. 'Satterwhites. He is a nat-
ive of Granville — an alumnus of the University — Formerly a
merchant, now a physician— not as I suspect a very scientific
one — a farmer — married to a sister of Mr. Cowan, of Salisbury,
has three children — one pretty daughter — more of a reader
than any other one in Wilkes county. Unitarian in faith
though a good deal shaken of late — has left off swearing
since Mr. Gay came to Wilkesboro. Found 2James Norwood
sick on my return.

Sunday Morning. Preached to a small congregation in the
courthouse twice. Made out the worst when I had Gen
Stokes and the largest and most respectable number of per-
sons to hear me, this was not pleasant but must be submitted
to.

Monday Morning. After packing my minerals — started for
Surry. Dr. McKenzie in company for a few miles. Stopped
at the house of John Bryant Esq. 8 miles from town and took
dinner. Visited his gold mine. Whilst dinner was getting
ready a man rode up and requested assistance for a woman
who had fallen from a wagon and broken her arm. We went
down and found her collar bone broken — got her into the
nearest house. McKenzie adjusted it, made her as comforta-
ble as we could. It is in such situations that riches are truly

iHorace B. Satterwhite, entered the University from Salisbury in 1805,
2 James Hogg Norwood— Graduated at the U. of N. O. in 1824; was
then a Tutor, afterwards a lawyer.

Dr. Mitchell's Diary. 47

valuable by enabling- us to command every assistance and
comfortable situation. Started from Bryants, called at his
son-in-law's Col Jones Wrenton to see a rock resembling- ( un-
decipherable) of the Sandhills but uninteresting in any other
point of view. How did it g-et (word undecipherable) easily
formed and in many situations? I must examine its situation
about Fayette ville. Rounded pebbles are abundant about here
but do not extend as he informed me more than half a mile from
the river from which they are evidently derived. Passed on and
crossed the river at a ford where a Lawyer named1 Hill was
drowned during the last year and put up at 'Major Meredith
Thurmonds. He has a beautiful situation — fine land — and a
fine river road by him and the Pilot and Blue Ridg-e in view.
Thurmond is not a very intellectual man but he treated me
well. Showed me some blankets manufactured by his wife
nearly equal to the rose blankets — made as Mrs Thurmond
informed me by spinning- the yarn very coarse — twisting- it
but little and carding- it up. Also some paintings of his
daughter's, some of them frig-htful enoug-h, but displaying- on
the whole a good talent in a girl of 14 who had had no in-
structor. In the morning I encouraged the parents to culti-
vate the genius of their daughter and to give her a good
education — Described the proficiency of my own daughter
which I ascribed not to any superiority of talent but to the

II am unable to learn of the drowning of any lawyer whatever. Per-
haps I mistake the name. But the name of a Hill appeared on the court
docket prior to 1828 and disappeared about that time.

2Maj. Meredith Thurman or Thurmond an influential and wealthy man
lived on Yadkin near where the village of Rondais situated. His place is now
owned by Dr. James Hickerson. He with Dr. John and Benjamin Mar-
tin attempted to dredge the Yadkin, so that boats could be run to Wilkes-
boro. and all lost heavily. Thurman then moved to Tennessee. According
to one informant his oldest daughter, Julia, the pretty one referred to by
Dr. Mitchell, probably, married James Dickerson and lived in the "Hollows
of the Dan" in Surrey county. He had another pretty daughter, Mildred,
who married Jesse Franklin of Surry. According to another informant,
his daughter, Sally, married a Colonel Holt and moved to Mississippi.

48 James Sprunt Historical Moriagrafih.

diligent care of her excellent mother. As I am leaving- Wilkes
* I may say that it appears to be deficient in mineral riches.
A series of beds of 'iron ore not of the best quality appears
to lie along- the base of the Brushey Mountains and that is
really all. The predominant rock is gneiss but there is a
good deal of granite and. mica slate. The g-ood land lies
along- the river and is held by men whose wealth has given
them an opportunity of acquiring- intelligence and they have
given to the county a respectability abroad not possessed by
any of its neig-hbours.

Tuesday Morning-. I had intended to pass from Col* Thur-
monds to Mr Franklin's in Surry but learn that that gentle-
man is gone from home to attend the meeting of the council
of state convened on the 30th. to appoint a successor to the late
attorney general J.F.Taylor. I determined to direct my course
immediately to 2Rockford the Metropolis of Surry. Thurmond
accompanied me some distance to see me over the ford and
passing through Jonesville a town of 7 houses I arrived at
Rockford about 3 in the afternoon without any particular
incident. The country was only moderately fertile. I had
some apprehensions respecting the depth of the Yadkin as
the river was swollen with antecedent rains but passed it in
safety and put up with Matthew Hughes Esq. one of the 5
inhabitants (masters of families) of the place, where I had an
excellent cup of coffee poured out to me by his beautiful
and pleasant daughter. Rode out with Matthew to see some
iron ore and some of Mr. Olmsteads 3Lazulite (decomposed
Chalcedony.) The ore is the magnetic oxide in gneiss, has
been smelted is of a good quality — three miles from town but
the vein appears to be feeble. Examined the rocks near the
ford and found them to be Mica Slate. Mrs Hughes is of the
Martin family and connected with Mrs Ham Jones who has

llron ore beds on the Brushey not worked.

2Rockford has about 100 inhabitants, The Act authorizing removal of
the county seat to Dobson was passed in 1848.
3Dr. Mitchell is ridiculing Dr. Ohnstead here.

/)?. \hfch<u\ Dtary, H

been staying here for some vreeks and left these part-- t<» go

down to Mrs William's near the shallow ford only this morn-
ing'. She is here to keep her children wh<> are sickly from the
pestilential air of Salisbury and talks of going to Chapel

Hill.

Wednesday Morning, Started very early and went down
to Major 'William's 3 miles with the double, triple, purpose
of getting my horse shod some breakfast and seeing his
limestone quarry. He is the brother of Lewis the Congress-
man and the father of the fellow who gave us so much trouble
at the last session. He is a widower and has been so many
wars. His oldest daughter is married to a Mr. Dodge a
Northern man a lawyer living in Huntsville and gone on with
her husband and sister to see his friends. Another daughter
is at Salem and there is only one child a tolerably pretty
little daughter at home. He treated me very well took me to
see his quarries and kiln. Shod my horse I had him shod
gave me a breakfast and would have nothing in return. Also
st-nt down a boy with me to Haynes' and Hutchins's ore hanks.

tCol. James Martin, of the Revolution, married for his second wife the
mother of Hamilton C Jones, the lawyer of Salisbury. Jones married
the daughter of Major Pleasant Henderson, of Chapel Hill, whose wife
was a daughter of Ool. Martin. Matthew M. Hughes was a relative of the
Dobsons and a man of wealth, who moved to Tennessee. He and Judge
Martin owned about 40,000 acres in one tract in Surry county. 1'art of it
was lost from uncertain description of the land in the deed: "40,000 acres
between Dobson and the Blue Ridge."

2Nicholas Williams, father of the late Nicholas L. Williams aud great
grandfather of N Glenn Williams. There were two of the name at the
rniversityin 1827 from Surry County, John F. and Joseph Williams.
John F. was the culprit His offence was visiting Hillsboro without per-
mission and staying a day or two He agreed to obey the law and was
pardoned.

iJames R. Dodge, a nephew of Washington Irving, Solicitor of the
Judicial Circuit. It was about him that Governor Swain quoted the Eng-
lish mock epitaph on one Dodge, to which he made the impromptu reply,
incident is narrated in Wheeler's History. Colonel Dodge had a son,
a General in the Federal army, James Irwin Dodge. Governor Glenn is
his grandson.

50 James Sprunt Historical Monograph,

The former is in Mica Slate and a good deal worked out The
latter, Ben Hutchins's, is a recent discovery in gneiss and is
used at Shepherds forge. Hutchins, is a quaker and his ore
bank seems to be well wrought. Some of the ore is contam-
inated with.soapstone and I found very good asbestus in the
mica. There appeared to be a good deal of iron ore about
this place, 6 or 7 miles from Rockford on the Huntsville road
and some manganese. Got from Hutchins some 'seed of a
vegetable I had never seen before called by him raising corn
of which it is the quality to make bread rise rapidly as he
said. I have not much faith in it but took some of the seed
as a curiosity. Rode down to Joseph Thompson's — an 2old
gander of a fellow.

[The letter ends here and is not signed.]

Elkspur Gap3, Wilkes Co. July, 20th, 1828.
My Dear and Good Wife :

Amongst the unpleasant circumstances with which my
present occupation is attended is the inability under which I
am laid of spending the Sabbath in a manner which my con-
science approves. As I am laid up here for a day with no
good books at hand and as your situation is desolate — and
lonely, (but still how different from that of a widowed mother),
I believe I may regard it as a duty as well as feel it a pleasure
to resume my narrative at the point where it was broken off
upon the summit of the Grandfather mountain and fill a sheet
or half sheet (you cannot in conscience complain as I have
nearly exhausted all the paper which you gave me) with

1A correspondent in Surry says that the vegetable was hops. Dr. Mitch-
ell was a skilled botanist, but it is no reflection on him that he could not
identify the seed.

2Dr. Mitchell was fond of this term. It is not one of ridicule or re-
proach. He means that Thompson was of a solitary habit and odd, pe-
culiar ways — like an old gander, who has lost his mate.

3^"ow called Deep Gap. It is a spur between Elk and Stoney Fork,

Dr. MitchrlTs Diary. 51

ulterior particulars. It is one oJ the plea Hires of the relation

in which we stand to each other that those trifles which to a
third persou would be intolerably wearisome have with us a
deep as well as unfailing- interest. You must excuse repeti-
tion if I should happen to fall into any.

The vegetation of the summit of the Grandfather is pectt-
liar. Carexes (inhabitants of a moist soil) constitute the
principal grasses, the trees arc the Balsam Fir- -and one or
two others which I did not know. Does not 'Michaux assign
to this mountain a peculiar species of Pine not found else-
where upon the Mountain? I could see nothing- of any such
and Henry Holtsclaw denied that there was any. Saw a new
(to me) species of sambucus with red berries which were
already ripe and at the point where we enjoyed the first pros-
pect a small shrub grew and interwove its branches so thick
that we reposed upon the summit of its limbs as upon a carpet.
The climate of the summit must be considerably colder than
that of Chapel Hill as the Blackberry, which I found fully
ripe in many places as I came along- before I reached the foot
of the Mountain and were decaying through excessive ripe-
ness, was still green throughout Ashe at this time and near
the summit of the Grandfather was either flowering- or pass-
ing- into the state of berry. Capt. Smith, who had worn his
thin coat up, complained bitterly of the coldness of the wind
and I felt it myself thoug-h less than he did. To enjoy the
prospect in all its ^lory we climbed each a several balsam
tree and the tree being- stunted in its growth had a larg-e trunk
(comparatively) thickly beset with limbs so that we could
easily place our heads hig-her than its top. The prospect was

iThere were two eminent botanists of thin name, A win* Miehanx, the
father, and Francois Andre", the son. The fires published "A Treatise on
the Oaks of North America," 1801, and a "Flora Boreali — Americana,"
1803. The son published "The Naturalization of American Forest Trees,"
1805. A Journal of his travels, 180c, and 'North American Sylva," 1810-
1813, completed by Nuttall and others. He died in France in 1855. Both,
father and sou were natives of France.

52 James Sftrunt Historical Monograph,

all but infinite. The day was tine — a few flying clouds and a
thin haze or smoke only. The Pilot and several towns were
distinctly visible, also endless ridges of Tennessee, the Black
Mountain of Buncombe, the Yellow and Roan Mountains. The
Table rock which appeared as a considerable eminence at
Morganton was dwindled down to a Mole Hill. It was a ques-
tion with as whether the Black and Roan Mountains were not
higher than the Grandfather and we were all inclined to give
them the palm and I very well recollect that when I was in
Morganton last year a mountain lying towards the westward
(the Black Mountain) appeared higher than it and the same
impression was made by the Yellow and Roan mountains when
I was upon the White Top. There can be no doubt that the
country around the base of the Grandfather is higher than any
other tract along these elevations but I suspect the Black and
Roan to be higher peaks. The Grandfather appears to me to
be Grau Wacke and to belong to the transition of Tennessee.
Along the creek by which we ascended I found clay slate
which appeared to be transition — also about the very head
springs of Linnville and along the flank of the Grandfather.
If I am correct I suspect that instead of there being a small
strip of transition along the base of the Blue Ridge as repre-
sented by Maclure2, that formation here occupies the whole
breadth of the Mountains. If I were to spend another sum-
mer in these parts I would locate myself on the Old Fields of
Toe River and investigate the district lying between and
around these high mountains. When we had finished our
examination we began to descend in a great hurry it being
the object of the hunters to reach the cabin of Mr. Leather-

2Wm. Maclure, born in Scotland, emigrated to this country in 1796;
formed project of a Geological Survey of the United States, crossed the
Alleghanies fifty times, mostly on foot; published first Geological map of
the United States and was called "Father of American Geology;" attempt-
ed but failed in establishing an Agricultural College, donated in his life-
time or by will $20,000 and all his collections to the Academy of Natural
Sciences in Philadelphia. Died in Mexico.

Dr. Mitchell's Dairy. 53

Stocking Aldridge and feast upon Venison, Bear Meat and
Honey. In the attempt to do this we failed and camped on
the top of Haw Ridge three miles from Barnhills. A shelving
rock projected over our heads and kept off the dew; my blanket,
after it had served as a manger for my horse to eat his
provender from, constituted a bed for Henry Holtsclaw and
Robert Barnhill. My Buffalo skin served Capt. John Smith
whilst my bearskin served Mr. Noah Mast and myself. Thus
furnished I lying in the middle and with a blazing fire at our
feet we passed a pleasanter night than I had expected. I
looked at my watch a good many times to see if it was not
nearly morning.

Tuesday morning — Cloudy — it rained considerably before
night. We rose as soon as it was light. Holtsclaw and Smith
parted from us to go to the Old Fields of Toe River. The rest
of us passed down the side of the Mountain. Breakfasted and
had a pretty good cup of coffee at Barnhills. Left Masts
about 10, the old man consenting to receive 50 cents for the
trouble I had given him, for the Tenn. line. Thinking I owed
Noah Mast some expression of gratitude for his attentions to
me over and above what he had received, I called at his
brother's a couple of miles from his father's and left my pocket
map, to which he seemed to take a fancy, with a few lines in
it. This was on Cove creek. A mile or two further struck
upon gneiss rock which continued with an exception of a small
tract of granite to within 2 miles of the Tennessee line on the
top of the stone mountain. Called at Mrs. Farthings1 three
miles from the top of the stone Mountain and got my dinner.
Madam was sick as she supposed with St. Anthony's tire and
had been for a month. She appeared to be a worthy woman.
Her husband was from Wake; being sent on a missionary Tour
to Ashe he fell in love with the mountains and removed hither
about a year ago or a little more and soon died. Sin- was well.

iSee note to preceding letter,

54 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

acquainted with brother Patterson1. After my return from
the Mountains young Farthing- rode with me a couple of
miles on my road to George Wilsons2 on the Fork Ridge
between Cove Creek and Beaver dam. I also left with him
some specimens of rock to be brought down when he comes to
Wake in the Fall. George Wilson lives on an eminence so
steep that my horse had difficulty in climbing up when I led
him. Staid at Wilson's — a log house with fringes between
the beams — Tapestried with 17 petticoats of domestic manu-
facture. Wilson was gone a hunting and soon came in, it
being dark — wet and tired, having hunted two days with
some of his neighbors on the stone mountain distant three
miles and killed — Nothing. His wife said he never was as
tired as when he came from hunting. Ashe was first occu-
pied by hunters who came in search of game. When they
reported the fertility of the soil to their neighbours — they
came in but engaged also much in hunting — and the habits
generated in those days still continue even after the game is
gone. The people lack industry. Some parts of the country
— for instance on the three forks and about the Court are as
fine as the good parts of N. England and if the Inhabitants
would be industrious and cultivate them in a similar manner
they might have painted frame houses instead of the present
unsightly log hovels. It is a favourite theory of mine that
Ashe has greater facilities for maintaining its soil in a state
of productiveness (by means of clover) than any other part of
N. Ca. that all the forests will hereafter be cut down and con-
verted into extensive pastures on which will be fed vast herds
of cattle and flocks of sheep — that it will hereafter be abund-
antly more populous than at present and even sought to as an
agreeable place of residence. George Wilson is a red haired

'Rev. John Patterson, of Richmond County, who graduated from U.
N. C. 1816, and was then for awhile tutor.

'-Left a number of descendants living in the same settlement, among
them "Lucky Joe Wilson."

Dr. Mitchell's Dim 55

t of a fellow with .1 wife looking much better than lie does.
His wife is hotter lo >king and the only objection I had to her

was: the ileas iii the beds and that after wiping her soiled
tillers up >:i her apron she procee led directly to wet the meal
for the corn bread which along- with some milk constituted
my supper. A man who was in, complaining- of the difficulty
of getting- corn, I observed to him that now the rye crops had
come in, his family could turn upon that instead of corn. He
replied that he did not like rye, it was fit only for horses', so
tastes differ. I could not help noticing- the difference in point
of intelligence between Wilson's children and mine attribut-
ing- it to the better education mine had received from an
attentive mother. By the way I forgot to mention that when
on the balsam tree on the top of the grandfather I picked one
of the cones or burrs for my wife — one for Mary one for Ellen
— one for Margaret and a little 'tiny one besides.

Wednesday morning. — My feet being still sore with the
peeling- they had got in the ascent of the Grandfather I onlv
hobbled up the ridge over some very rich soil with corn grow-
ing upon it to see the ore which I found to be Iron ore in
small quantity apparently but of good quality and took some
specimens along with me. Rode to 2Mr. Shearer's to dinner
beating the rocks as I went, calling upon 3David Dagget — who
told me he knew where there was cotton stone — (Asbestus or
Amaranthus) two miles from his house in the rich mountain
and wus glad to find he was neither at home nor likely to be
in two days. Called at Council's store (he keeps a post-office)
and took a letter for a person in Wake and obtained leave to
write to him if I should have occasion for information res-

i The "tiny one" was destined, as fate would have it, for another daugh-
ter, Eliza North.

2 See note on preceding letter.

3 Du^ett axed to attend Boon Court and teach a whistliug school.
Eiicli pupil paid ten ttmffl and he who whistled loudest "'took the pile".

I J rcUui Council, a very noted man; grandfather of Judge W. B. Conn,
cil. His son. Dr. W. B. Council, was State Seuator,

56 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

pecting Ashe County. Rode from Shearer's down to 'David
Sands, Esqr., a bachelor with three or four sisters, and his
mother with him. He showed me some ore from Tennessee
which he supposed to be Antimony but which proved to be
micaceous oxide of Iron. Walked with him to see a white
substance in the creek on his land. It was the 2Porcelain
clay. Sands rode down with me to 3Esquire Miller's. We
passed through a meadow— beautiful like those of Yankee
land. Miller treated me kindly, would take nothing, is a busy
little man of some sense; has been a member of the legisla-
ture. He showed us some Iron ore obtained from his land. It
is the magnetic oxide enveloped in a stone (Magnesium rock)
which would always prevent its being worked to advantage
even if it were a rich ore and in great quantity. Walked up
to where a son in law (Joel Bingham) has been begetting him
a whole house full of grandchildren. In return he has
allowed him the use of the laud where he lives but has not
made him a title to it. Joel had found or obtained ore from
which lead had been run out and 'twas said he got it, but Joel
was not communicative upon the subject, from the rocks
above the house but they contained no ore. Joel said noth-
ing so we returned after it was dark. Slept in a chamber
with lads— two occupied a second bed in second corner of the
chamber and two grown up girls a third.

Thursday morning. — Made rather a late start. Sands rode
down with me to the Bull Ruffin. We had Hornblende Rock
to the north of Elk, then up Elk by Farmers three miles to
the Bull Ruffin. We ascended first the ridge opposite the
Bull Ruffin to an ancient excavation; I pronounced it at once
the work of aborigines searching for mica, large plates and
masses of which lay scattered over the surface similar to
what I had seen two or three miles from Rutherfordton and

1 Neither Sands nor his sisters ever married.

- Has never been worked.

3 David Miller was a member of the Legislature in 1800, 1811 and 1813,

Dr. MtUheWs Dtmry*

as many frum Franklin <>n the Tennessee, The Bull Ruffin
Itself is a curious collection <>i Magnesium rocks containing
octahedral crystals of iron ere disseminate but not abundant
enough in any place seen by me to be wrought to advantage
and the gangue t<><> is an insuparable objection. Found a
piece of chalcedony. Parted with Sands; returned to Far-
mer's quite chap-fallen, having gone up with the expectation
of rinding this a rich and valuable bed of ore. Farmer
appeared to be an industrious worthy man — removed from Ire-
dell and bettered his condition. Rode down to Jefferson.
They were making hay by the way side. The pleasant smell
of the hay — the sight of the rows of cocks in the beautiful
green meadows such as I had been accustomed to in my child-
hood— the delicious coolness of the air — the shadows of the
mountains and the luxuriant foliage and blocks of the chest-
nuts extending up their sides made the ride delightful — and
to crown all on my arrival I found a letter from my dear wife
informing me of the welfare of herself and children. I spent
the evening in finishing a letter to her I had begun some time
before.

Friday morning: — Was engaged till half past 10 in prepar-
ieg to leave Ashe county. Dislodged the crackers from the
tin trunk into an old stocking and supplied their place with
7 lb. Maple Sugar, boxed my minerals and engaged to have
them sent to Wilkesboro the next day; paid Jonathen Faw,
Esqr., a heavy bill and after a tremendous quarrel with Fox,
who had become active with the fortnights repose I had given
him to recover from his bruises, started for the lower end of
the county and the Elkspur gap. Packed up specimens of
what I suppose to be specular oxide of Iron at intervals. At
about 6 or 7 miles left the hornblende rock pretty much and
passed into mica slate — the country became poorer. Broke
one of the (Thills?, vide Walker) of my wagon in passing the
south Fork of N. River and was obliged to draw up at T Joshua

i Was Register of deeds, afterwards Sheriff, a very influential man.

$8 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

Coxes 11 miles from town where I met with a very kind recep-
tion and ate the first fresh venison I have seen in the county.
Coxe is a man of more sense I believe than he is generally
taken for, a pious Baptist and a genuine enemy to General
Jackson, whom he terms without scruple a murderer. Coxe
undertook to tinker my waggon and having told me of good
specimens of rock crj-stals at "James Mulkeys I went down
thither accompanied by Coxes son — the distance a mile and
the river to cross. This is below the mouth of Cranberry.
Found magnificent specimens of mineral that never possesses
any beauty — the Staurotide. — Mulkey's crystalis ploughed
up in the side a hill. There is probably a vein under the
spot. The largest fragment on hand weighs 41b. and was
employed by his wife as a weight. I was obliged to give him
the price of 41b of lead, SO cents for it. Returned and went
out to Caneda Richardsons to see if I could find any of the
garnets of which I had seen a fine specimen in the hands of
Mr. Mitchell at Jefferson. Found Madam and one man and
two daughters, one with a child in her arms. The old woman
is Coxes sister. She brushed about, found me some garnets
along with onions and several (torn) in an old Bee-gum went

out

[The remainder of this letter is lost.]

Lincolnton, July22d, 1827.
Dear Marie:

It is perhaps hardly in accordance with the
plans we have formed for the regulation of our future expedi-
tion, that I should write you two letters from this place, but
as my last, from want of time, was rather brief, 1 perhaps
owe to our love for each other to send you what you now re-
ceive. It is Sabbath evening and I have a couple of hours to
devote to you. I would it were in my power to speak instead

iMulkey's crystal bed not worked. A Ford ou New Run beariug his
name,

Dr. Mitchell* Diary. 59

of writing- to you. You recollect that I left Chapel Hill on
Wednesday the 4th. I passed on without accident to Hills-
boro where I called on Mr. Witherspoon' to see what good
word he had to send to his brethren in the west. He said he
had none. I called also on Harringer* and Graham, former
students in the University, and obtained from them letters to
gentlemen in the West. Passed on to Mr. Mebanes3, and
after dinner had a long stroll vvith Alexander northward of
the road to see the rocks. After returning from that went
out by myself and strolled to Father Curries4. The Father
was gone to hold a preaching at the Canby's5 tavern, and had
not returned. Took my tea with the wife and daughter, and
met the Father himself as I started back for Mr. Mebane's.
Mr. Mebane told me that the granite north af the slate comes
within 4 or 5 miles of him, is abundant at the Cross Roads
church and Mr. Canby's. Thursday, started for Greensboro
with the horse, Mike, in exchauge for Dick, and ^Alexander
Mebane along. The ride possessed no great interest. We
passed over slaty rocks and over green, but not proper green-
stone, rocks till we were some distance, passed Dick's in Guil-
ford and 9 miles from Greensboro or thereabouts entered
upon the granite country which continued to Greensboro.
Seven miles west of the river (Haw) we appeared also to pass
over a narrow tongue of granite having talc substituted for
mica. Got our dinner at a Mr. 7Gibson,s where I saw some

iRev. John Witherspoon, Pastor of PresbyteriaD chnrch.

2Daniel M. Barringer of Concord, and Win. A. Graham of Lincoln.

sjames Mebane Speaker of the House of Commons, a student of the
University in 1795. Alexander, graduated 1831.

*Rev Currie, Presbyterian preacher.

•^Canby's Tavern, at a place now called Boone's Station.

fiSou of James Mebane, afterwards a Presbyterian preacher.

ph Gibson. Gave his name to Gibson Station, lived one mile N.
E. of Whiteett; dwelling house still standing. He is buried near by in a
rural cemetery and a stately stone gives the facts of his life. No living
heir 8.

60 James Sprunt Historical Monograph*

tombstones made of the Randolph soapstone. When we
came to Greensboro, Mr, Mebane drove to Mr. Paisleys1 and
I went to Moorings2 and got my supper, and then walked up
to Mr. Paisleys and staid all night. Mr. Paisley showed me
some specimens of porous, half-decomposed granite which it
was supposed might answer for mill stone, but they are
neither hard nor tough enough. Friday, started early for
Jamestown distant ten miles, passed over granite and horn-
blende rock of the same age with the granite and having
the crystals of hornblende along — giving to the rock a black
color till we came to Deep River hard by Jamestown — the
ascent of the hills seemed an imperfect slate rock. Saw here
window sills at Mendenhalls3 taken from a soapstone ridge a
few miles below. Three miles before I came to Jamestown
found good specimens of Epidote, imperfectly crystalized.
From Jamestown to within miles of Lexington passed

over a tolerably fertile, but geologically speaking uninterest-
ing country. After passing the creek miles east of Lex-
ington the country seemed to change, the soil became red
and there is a narrow strip of slate, as I am well satisfied
thrown in, but of its extent I know nothing. Put up at
Rounsavilles4 in Lexington. He was from Samson; his wife is
a pleasant, free spoken, sensible woman, who if she had been
a man could have been an orator. Called on Mr. Allen the
preacher. He has refused to take charge of the school, and
so starves with his wife on 200 dollars. I think he is wrong.
He could be more useful with the school. People who know
nothing of the matter will say he sits still all the week and

iRev. Wm. D. Paisley, organizer of the Presbyterian church at Greens-
boro. Principal of a school for girls and one for boys-

2Christopher Mooring kept a hotel on what is dow corner of Davie and
East Market Streets. He was an elder in the Presbyterian church, died
about 1836 and his widow continued the business for some time.

3Richard Mendenhall, a highly etseemed Quaker.

4Benjamin Dusenberry Rounsaville; Graduated at U, of N. 0. 1808,

Dr. Miirhtir> hairy. 61

preaches Oil Sunday. Called mi Dr. Holt' who showed me
some gold from David Coxe's mine in the lower end of the
county, told me the soil in the northern part was grey gran-
ite and gave me an account of the Jersey farms of which I
could make but little. Saw at Rounsaville some specimens of
agate which his wife believed were from Baird's store or its
neighborhood in Anson. Saturday, passed on to Salisbury
over a country that puzzled me and which I was prevented
from examining fully by the rains; the soil is red; there is
much black sand from hornblende where the water has wash-
ed. Towards the bridge the country became decidedly gran-
itic. I believe this red soil to be produced by decomposition
of hornblende rock. Not far from the river saw a pile of
rounded pebbles which I then believed to be derived from
the river, but which I now believe to be derived from the al-
luvial many miles below. The country between the bridge
and Salisbury, and around the latter place I do not fully
understand. It may be genuine granite. Got my dinner,
and saw and conversed with various persons — Alfred McKay'
the candidate. He was very cheerful and friendly, but has
now killed himself with laudanum. Saw Bosworth the super-
intendent of the gold washing establishment in Montgomery.
The affair has blown out as I always knew it would. Bos-
worth has been running up a tavern bill at Slaughter3 because
he had no money to pay for some time. Slaughter dunned
him and offered to take gold, but he said he had none. Sun-
day, preached after having staid over night with Mr. Rankin4,

iWm Rainey Holt, M.D., farmer and stock-raiser — a pioneer in this
business. President of the North Carolina Agricnltnral Society. Uncle
of Governor Thomas M. Holt.

2At U. N. O. in 1811. Was candidate for the Legislature but failed.
Was a son of Judge Spruce McKay.

3Slaughter's Tavern was on the S. E. side of Main (or Corbyn) Street,
almost opposite the present Central Hotel (formerly Boyden House), was
an inn of great repute.

iRev. Jesse Rankin, pastor of the Presbyterian church, and principal

62 James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

two sermons in the courthouse to a tolerable congregation.
Dined with Mr. Co wen1, and took tea with Dr Long-8, who is
a worthy man. Monday, obtained specimens of the granite
they use in building- in Salisbury, obtained from Dunn's
Mountain 3 miles east, and also from a place 4 miles north.
Started to find where the dividing- line betwixt the slate and
granite crossed the Yadkin, which I did not find after all.
Went down the river 8 1-2 miles, and then turned across the
country, and put up with an old Dutch Blacksmith, named
Stirewalt on the West bank of the Dutch Buff aloe and a lit-
tle North of the Cabarrus line. Stirewalt told us respecting-
his son that he had been engag-ed in his studies all his life
time; was now 25 years of ag-e and had lately started for an
institution in Virginia, where he was to pursue his education.
Tuesday, started early for Concord in Cabarrus, passed over
a country exhibiting few rocks, and the geological character
of which I was not quite sure of till we came within 3 or 4
miles of Concord, where it was evidently granitic. Got a tol-
erable breakfast, and only a tolerable one, with a fractious
old Dutchman named Klutts3 who let us know before we had
been half an hour in his house that he had once been a mem-
ber of the Legislature, said that gold had been found at Con-
cord in the branches about it which I do not believe. Harriss
of the next session fell in with us here- Passed over granite
and hornblende rock seven miles to Poplar Tent church; did

of the Academy, left Salisbury about the close [of the year; of great
reputation as teacher aud preacher.

iThoraas S. Co wen, wealthy, elder in the Presbyterian church. Judge
Armistead Burwell, Dr. John H. McAden and Mr. E. Nye Hutchison
married granddaughters. There was a contest over his will, but it was
sustained.

2Dr. Alexander Long, of great repute in his profession, very popular.

3George Klutts, Commoner in 1817, Senator 1833 aud again 1834.

4 Edwin Robert Harris, who graduated in 1828, nephew of Charles W.
Harris, first Professor of Mathematics in U. N. 0.

Dr. Mitchell's Dian. 63

not find Parson Robinson' at home, but got our dinner, and
as were about starting- he arrived. After leaving his house
fell into a tract of country I did not understand, which continued
with some variation till we were some miles west of Rocky
river. I know now that it belongs to a peculiar formation,
containing gold, lying ab >ut Charlotte. Turned aside t
a recently opened g-ol I mine on Mrs. Alexander's2 land. Trav-
eled west until we came to the Statesville road, down which
we turned towards Charlotte, and were very hospitably enter-
tained by Dr. Alexander3, living ten miles from Charlotte,
from whom I received much valuable information. Wednes-
day, started after a very early breakfast and beat the rocks into
Charlotte. They were tolerably uniform. Got our breakfast
in Charlotte, found Smith4 of the next Junior here who intro-
duced me to Maj. McCombes. Visited the Myers'6 «;old mine
hard by Charlotte, then started down the Providence road for
the southern boundary of Mecklenburg-, stopped at Fosters7.
He is an elder in the church at Providence, asked me whether
I was engag-ed in my Theolog-ical survey, but is nevertheless
a sensible man. Between his house and the Providence
Church passed out of the gold country, say 9 miles from Char-
lotte8, at about 17, for there being no rock but white flint upon
the ground, I could not tell exactly when passed the bound-

iRev. John Robinson, D. D. Pastor of Poplar Tent Presbyterian church
aud Priucipal of its classical school. A very eminent man.

2Widow of Dr. Moses Winston Alexander, sister of Governor Win. A.
Graham.

3Joseph McSmith Alexander— died in 1841.

^Franklin Lafayette Smith, of Charlotte, took first honor in the class of
1829 in U. N. C. Very promising bat died young.

-Mnjor McCombe married a Brandon. His daughter married Robert
Davidson.

<*<MytTs' Gold mine tract is the site of Biddle University, given by Col.
W. R. Myers. Was not profitable as a mine.

7Foster lived in Providence, S. W. of Charlotte.
8f his is as Dr. Mitchell wrote,

64 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

aries of the Slate, and took up at McCorkles, on the bank of
Twelve Mile creek. Thursday, went out early to see some
whin near McKorkles, and where he had been digging- for
gold, then started and passed over to Rocky River road, and
was then 9 miles from the South Carolina line, travelled up
the road all day on slate, saw a wonderfully fat gal, where we
stopped for dinner, put up for the nigh t at Weddington's, a little
below Rocky River in Cabarrus. Friday, started early, crossed
Rocky River, and found Read's about a mile from it, got break-
fast, saw the stream in which they get the gold. The metal
is evidently derived from a conglomerate rock like that at
Chisholm's and Parker's. It forms generally the bed of the
creek, and is abundant about the house, crossed the Dutch
Buffaloe, still over slate and got our dinner at xGen. Barrin-
ger's, where there is a wonderfully pretty widow, Mrs. Boyd,
and an unmarried daughter. Started for Concord and crossed
the edges of the slate 9 miles from Concord, then had granite
through the city. Met Gen. Barringer on the road, put up at
Klutts'. Saturday, started early on the great road for Char-
lotte,passed over granite and hornblende, got our breakfast at
Orr's, still on granite, 8 miles from Charlotte. About 7 miles
from the same entered the gold region, passed Hopewell Meet-
ing House, a handsome brick building, and found Mr. 2Morrison
beginning a settlement in the woods. If I had known how
little he was prepared to receive company, I should not per-
haps have called on him. His little daughter was sick with a
swelling. After dinner Mr. Mebane took the horse and
wagon and went over to see 3Charles Alexander, and Mr.

iGeneral Paul Barringer, often Commoner and State Senator; father of
Daniel M. Member of Congress and Minister to Spain, Rufus, Brigadier-
General under Hampton.and Victor C. Judge of the International Court in
Egypt. The pretty widow was his daughter, Margaret, afterwards Mrs,
Grier. The other daughter married General W. C. Means.

2Robert Hall Morrison, D.D , Graduated at U. N. C. in 1818, in Presi-
dent Polk's class. Was 1st President of Davidson College. Stonewall
Jackson married his daughter.

3Charles Alexander — old bachelor; lived three miles east of Charlotte,

Dt Mitchell's Diary.

Mon lsmi .uid myself went out to ^> e v app'a gold mine, si;
ing fellows about it, drinking and fighting. Tlie vein of quart!
containing gold was nearly north and south with a dip to the
West, about 75 degrees. 5 miles from Charlotte, west of the
Beattys Perry road. Sunday preached twice for Mr. Mor-
rison, once with, and once without notes. Thcv practice tin-
half way covenants. There was a question about the Baptism
of a child. It was objected that the father was inteinperatt ,
but it appearing- that the parents were professors of relig-
ion, all difficulties were cleared away.

Monday, borrowed Mr. Morrison's horse and rode down to
the slate, 14 miles; gold country all or nearly all the way; re-
turned and dined at Mrs. Alexander's, went to see the curiously
veined compact feldspar by the mill near Charlotte. Passed
in and put up at 2Dinkin's, borrowed Mr. Smith's horse and
rode down to the border of the g-old region about 6 miles

towards — Ferry. Took tea at Mrs. Smith's,

called on Mr. Davidson's, and learned from him that there is
red land of the gold region on the Waxhaw Creek, below Mr.
McKorkles where I struck the slate. Tuesday, started after
breakfast, passed Mr. Morrison's, found he had gone to Con-
cord to court, left my minerals, having made arrangement for
having them boxed up. Left the gold region apparently
about a mile short of the Hopewell Meeting House, turned
down 6ver horneblende rock to ^Tooles ford, near which I found
Robert Davidson, where I got the grandest dinner. *Capt.

Pp'sGold Mine, now owned by Mr. John Wilkes. Over *!, 000,000
of gold said to have been taken out of it.

^Dinkin's Hotel was where the Central now stands, kept by Watson
Hayes and then by Moses Alexander, (not Moses Winslow Alexander. )

»le '8 ford, four miles below Cowan's, <>m the plantation of Robert
Davidson. He was sou of Major John Davidson, signer of the Mecklen-
burg Declaration. Name of Toole probably came from Matthew Toole, an
Indian interpreter, mentioned in Colonial Records V. pp 141.

tptain Samuel Caldwell, who fought at King's Mountain, Cowpens
and Guilford Court House; father of Green W. Caldwell, Member of Con-
gress, 184 1-'43. Belmont and St. Mary's college are on his home place.

b6 James Sprunt Historical Monograpn.

Caldwell went with us over the ford. The river is wide, and
carries as much water as the Haw at Jones' Ferrj. Went
down to Mr. 'Johnston's, looked over his minerals — no great
affair after all — walked out with him and found that the
water-worn pebbles around him are from the sandhills, as is
proved by their being- associated with the peculiar conglomer-
ate rock of the sand hills. There is certainly some curious
mica near him which expands in a candle, the phenomenon,
which I believe to be electrical. Wednesday, started for Lin-
colnton, I forgot to mention pretty Mrs. 2Johnston. Passed
up the river to the Beatty's ford road, and fell in with the
peculiar primitive granite mica slate formation of Lincoln
county, about a mile east of the 3Catawba springs. Drank of
the water of those celebrated springs, now kept by M. Jug-not
or Juggernaut as they call him, went on to 4Gen. Graham's
2^ miles. Gen. not at home. Saw the famous King's Creek
limestone and ore which last looks like mica slate. A pecul-
iar porphyritic schistouse granite without much mica about
Gen. Grahams. Rode to Lincolnton over granite and mica
and chlorite slate. A storm of rain. At Linoclnton found
the court sitting and saw Gen. Graham and others. Thurs-

JOol. James Johnston. His son Robert lived at the same place; having
married Mary Ried daughter of Captain John Reid, a Revolutionary soldier.
Among their children was Col. Wm Johnston, of Charlotte, and other prom-
inent men. Another son, Dr William, married Nancy, daughter of
Gen. Peter Forney. Gen. Robert D. Johnston, formerly of Charlotte,
was one of their sons.

2Pretty Mrs. Johnston was either Mrs. Mary (born Reid ), wife of Rob-
ert Johnston, or Nancy ( born Forney), wife of Dr, William Johnston.

<*Not "Sparkling Catawba Springs." Catawba Springs are in East
Lincoln. They were much frequented in ante-bellum days, but the build-
iugs have gone to decay and the water is little used.

^General Joseph Graham, who fought gallantly in the Revolution, was
a Brigadier General in the War of 1812, and Major General of Militia. He
was for seven terms State Senator from Mecklenburg. He then was a
successful manufacturer of iron in Lincoln Co. at Vesuvius Furnace. He
died November 12. 1836, aged 77 years. He was father of the eminent
William A. Graham and others.

Ih. Mitchell's Diary. 67

day. Mr. Mebane concluded to Btaj and visit the girls with
Mr. 'Henderson. After breakfast I started for the Rutherford
line which I reached after travelling along a ridge road most
of the way so that I saw but few rocks. Those appearing
were Gneiss, Hornblende rock and granite. Got my dinner
at old Lewis's in Rutherford, went out to see Mr. Boggs's
gold mine which furnishes nothing but mica, then rode down
the county line to 'Jacob Fullen wider where I was hospitably
entertained. After examining his forge on Friday morning
started with him for his ore bank or rather for Fall's Lime
kiln on Kings Creek where 3William Wilson has engaged to
meet me Country Granite. Did not find Wilson, examined
the ore bank then started on foot for King's Mountain about
5 or 6 miles below, towards this I travelled for 4 miles and
understanding it was within the limits of S. Ca. returned. I
however discovered a gold region along the Creek. Wilson
not being come on my return to the ore bank, I started for his
house but he soon overtook me and told me gold had actually
been found on this formation — He conducted me between
King's and Crowder's Mountains along a very bad road to his
house — we turned aside to see the sulphate of Barytes. He
lives in a large brick house, four rooms to a floor. He is a
plain man — said nothing of his return, but sent word to his wife
by one of his sons that we should want some supper and nod-
ded to her in a very kindly way when we descended into the
underground room to our repast. Saturday morning, Mr.

JLawson F. Henderson, who graduated at U N. C. in 1827.

2Jacob Fullenwider was son of John F. who operated iron works at the
High Shoals, has many descendants, among them Dr. J F. Miller, Supf. of
the State Hospital at Goldsl>oro. Judge R. H. Burton married his sister,
hence he was great uncle of Gun. R. F. Hoke It was his fnruace that
gave point to the old preachers description of the inferunl regions: "Take
a sinner out of hell and put him into Jacob Fulleuwider's furnace, beatcd
seven times, and he will freeze solid in five minutes."

mi. J. Wilson — Register of Deeds, a prominent and useful man, Tha
site of his home is in < iastou Oo,

68 James Sfiriuil Historical Monograph.

Wilson accompanied me some miles. We rode near the line —
sometimes in N. and sometimes S. Ca. 5 miles west of the
Catawba according to Mr. Wilsons estimate, fell in with the
gold country, and Wilson soon left me. Travelled up towards
the Tuckasege Ford.1 Crossed the S. Fork at Armstrongs
Ford. Got my dinner at Capt. Caldwells. Took the Tuck-
asege Ford to Lincolnton* Called at 2Dr. Hunter's to see his
son's collection of minerals — a poor one — he was a better bot-
anist— passed on to 3Peter Smith's — a good natured old Dutch-
man, and. put up for the night. 9 miles from Lincolnton.
Left the gold country about 4 miles from the Tuckasege.
Sunday started early rode to Mr. 'Williamson's and got break-
fast, went on to Lincolnton and preached in the morning, rode
in the evening as far as the scross. Went to hear Mr. Plum-

iTuckasege Ford i s on the Great Catawba, about three miles below
Mount Holly. The Tuckasege Manufacturing Co4, has built a cotton mill
there and the Ford is not much used. It gets its name from the Cherokee
Indian trail which led to it. The neighborhood joke that it received its
name from some saying' 'it tuck a siege to getacross"isan after invention.
The road from the ford to Lincolnton was along the old trail and hence is
called the Tuckasege road. Armstrong's Ford is on the South Fork of the
Catawba about seven miles above its junction with the Great Catawba.

2It is probable that the home of Rev. Humphrey Hunter, an active Rev-
olutionary soldier and divineis meant. I do not find that he was aD.D.,but
his celebrity may have given him the title He died in August, 1827. As he
married in 1739 the son who made the collections, may well have been Dr.
Cyrus L. Hunter, an enlightened man, author of Sketches of Western
North Carolina.

^Peter Smith lived on the Tuckasege road about eleven miles from
Lincolnton. It was on his place that the Broad-leaved Umbrella tree, a
variety of magnolia, rare in these parts, was found, mentioned by Dr. Cur-
tis and other botanists. Mr. John B. Smith, grandson of Peter, has a
grove of them on his place.

^Robert Williamson, whose place is now the Lithia Springs property,
owned by Gen. R. F. Hoke.

•=>The cross is where an old road from Tryon old court house to Beattie s
Ford crossed the Tuckasege road. Mr. John B. Smith lives there. This is
the site of the "Magnolia Grove" above mentioned,

Dr. Mitchell's Dim 69

iten, a dissecting Presbyterian Pieacherin the evening-. Mon-
day morning went down to "Major Henderson's before break-
fast with the purpose o\ examining some clays Elective in
his neighborhood. Examined them, had a long talk with him
about the University, came hack and packed my minerals and
started after dinner for Gen. Graham's but finally took a dif-
ferent route, passed over [illegible] Mica Slate, by the quartz
rock quarries from which they get hearths for their furnaces
till we came to the state Road to one Sink's. It not being
quite night when I i^ot there I stripped off my coat and started
back to get a glance at the ore bank —distance 3 ro 4 miles —
nded into one. Was overtaken by a thunder storm on
my return and g-ot completely lost in the woods — but eventu-
ally made my way to Sinks very wet and tired after all the
family were abed. Tuesday started along- the state road for
Maxwell Wilson's,3 a poor country till within 3 or 4 miles
of his house when the soil became red and much better. Got
our breakfast at Wilson's and he rode with us 8 or ten miles in
a northerly direction till we crossed Henr)rs River. Country
lies well, soil g*ood, Hornblende rock. Population mostly
dutch. Got a good dinner at 4Abel ShufTords, saw some spec-
imens of Black lead from Burke with which he has been paint-
ing his house. Started for^Carpenter's in Rutherford. Crossed
Jacobs River6 entered the state road again but soon turned off

iThe Associate Reformed Presbyteriaus refused to sing in their services
any hymns not translations of the Psalms in the Bible. They have a col-
lege for males and females at Dae West, South Carolina.

2John Lawson Henderson.

^Maxwell Wilson lived in what is now Catawba County, on the public
road between Lincolnton and Newton.

*Abel Shuford also lived in what is now Catawba County' was a good
citizen, probly a brother of Martin Shuford.

"•The Rutherford Carpenters moved from near Lincolnton. A descend-
ant, Rev. J. B. Carpenter, called Bate Carpenter, is a Methodist minister,
and was a Representative in the Legislature in 1802.

fiJacob and Henry rivers are said to have been named after Jacob and
Henry Whitener who lived on them.

*70 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

to the west. Wandered from our road and got completely
lost in a tremendous thunderstorm. Craved to know of a man,
whom I met, the name of the state and county I was in and
which way was North. He put us into our road and after
travelling- over an exceedingly sterile country, affording
some indications of interesting minerals, arrived after dusk at
Carpenter's two miles within the N. E. corner of Rutherford
County. Carpenter knew of no mines in his neighborhood.
Started with the intention of breakfasting at 'Martin Shuf-
ford's from whom, he having been a member of the Legis-
lature, we hoped to get valuable information but not finding
him at home we passed on to one Morings, on the Main
Lincolnton and Rutherford road. The journey to the latter
place had little interest — the rock gneiss, and granite, we saw
a collection of Rutherfordtonians on Sandy River 14 miles
from town who told us of Copperas rocks below — had rain and
arrived a little before sundown, put up at Twitty's — nephew
to the Celebrated counterfeiter and formed an acquaintance
with Mr. 3Hall and Col. Burchette and Crayton. Thursday
started for the 4Whiteside settlement with Col. Burchette. It
was said gold had been found there. Passed through a bro-
ken but tolerably fertile country of Hornblend,rock and climbed
over a ridge of mountains into a basin containing the sources
of first Broad River which contains the Whiteside settlement.
Look it out on the map. Adam Beatty found gold, 3 small
particles by washing, 5 times, in the creek so that gold is cer-
tainly there. Passed on to Pelets and got a miserable dinner-
appetite not good. Mr. Mebane was taken quite unwell so
that instead of passing down the Eastern side of the county I
was obliged to set out with him on my return to Rutherford-

iSenator 1825, 1826, '27. Succeeded by Martin P. Shuford.

2Russell Twitty.

30ol. Burchette was Clerk and Master in Equity. Weldon Hall, a law-
yer. Isaac Craton, long Clerk of Superior Court, father of Marshall Uraton ,
the first Colonel of the 50th N. O, Regiment.

4Now Golden Valley Township in north end of Rutherford Co.

Dr. Mitchell's Diary. 71

ton. Clambered out of tin* valley l>y a different route. Pa
through a corner of Uurke and had a glorious view of the
mountains, put up for the night at a Mr. 'Pattens on Cane
Creek 15 miles from town. Patten is a very grave looking
follow — has been a member and I believe an elder in Mr.'Kerr's
church; his wife is the most masculine woman I ever
saw — fit to command a regiment of grenadiers. Friday after
breakfast returned to town — Called at the post office for a let-
ter from my wife — which I had desired Mr. Reinhardt to for-
ward from Lincolnton to this place but of course did not get it.
Mr. Mebane appearing much better, started in the evening in
company with Dr. Ossomy Irving for the S. Eastern part of
the county — Passed down the Yorkville road, visited a Cop-
peras rock on the land of Samuel Harvie on a small branch

. It is a Mica slate rock with sulphate of Iron

disseminated through it, Passed on with the intention of
staying over-night at Mrs. 4Hamilton's but hearing when near
the house that the family were gone to the camp-meeting
turned aside to Esqr Moore's and put up at Esquire Moore's —
a good deal unwell — as indeed I had been for 24 hours. Sat-
urday, started after breakfast and rode down to Mrs. Irvine's.
Got fresh horses and rode over to see the copperas rocks where
William Beatty used to live — Dined at Mrs. Irvine's on our
return. She gave us a good dinner — is tolerably good look-
ing—buxom woman. Started after dinner for the Camp Meet-
ing. Crossed second Broad river at the high Shoal where
there is a forge — where they get mill-stones and where I ob-
tained specimens of red ore of this country. Passed, on and
after riding till it was late in the rain, put up at Mr.Twitty's

i Father-in-law of Col. M. O. Dickerson, lon# Clerk of the Superior
Court and father of the present clerk, M. O. Dickerson.

2"Kerr's Church" was called Little Brittain. He was a Presbyterian
minister.

»No copperas rocks worked now in Rutherford.

*There are many Hamiltous iu the county.

72 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

tent on the 'Camping ground. Learned that Mr. Mebane had
been more unwell after I left him. Sunday Morning-, were
ordered out early by Mr. Moore who married Mr. Twittys sis-
ter and was with him, lest we should be excommunicated. It
rained and there was preaching- in the tents at the 4 corners
of the camping- grounds. Saw 2Mr. Carson the late and
would-be member of Congress for this district, and others.
Was introduced to the ruling- elder by Mr. Twitty and by the
elder to the other preachers. In the evening- took in Mrs.
Bowen, Alex Twitty's niece, and her two children and return-
ed to Rutherford. Pound Mr. Mebane had been quite sick on
Saturday morning but was now better though he still com-
plained af a head ache. Monday. Mr. Mebane having- eaten
larg-e quantities of green corn on Sunday passed a restless
night and was taken with vomiting in the morning-; called in
the doctor — concluded I must submit to have my plans broken
up. Rode out 3 miles with 3Esquire Dickey and Dr. Torrey
to see the 4isin-glass hill in the neighborhood and on my re-
turn called on Allen Twitty to learn the facts respecting a
piece of gold said to have been found there. Tuesday. I rode

out to examine a place on Tollivan s land, 15 miles

return— God willing-, tomorrow and start for Asheville on
Thursday if Mr. Mebane's health will admit of it. If Mr.
Mebane had not been taken sick I suppose 1 should have been
at home by Saturday after the beg-inning of the session. Be-
ing delayed now — a little longer — say to Mr. Andrews that if

iThe Twittys, as a rule, were, and are, very good people. The camp-
meetings have been abandoned for many years, except Rock Spring, kept
up the last year or two because the site was given on condition that they
should be continued.

2Samuel Price Carson, of Burke, Representative in Congress, 1825-1833,
had the misfortune to kill Dr. Robert B. Vance in a duel; member of the
Convention of 1835; removed to Texas in 1835 and was Secretary of State;
died in 1840.

^Esquire Dickey, a good citizen, lived eight miles from Rutherfordton.

4The isinglass (mica) hill is now worked profitably.

^Illegible— -looks like Creiss\

Dr. Mitchell'* Diary. 73

Osborn' ran come into the Sophomore class the feeling's of

people in the lTpper country and the eireninstances of the case

ich as to render it very desirable he should do so. The

cry is against the hardness of our conditions and this case

will render it nuieli louder.

This little margin the rest of the letter being occupied with
my trawls I will devote to love and expressions of affections
for my Maria and my sweet babies. That I should doat on
them is a natural consequence of the relation of parent in
which I stand to them — towards yourself I have never been
lavish of soft words and epithets of endearment. Not as lav-
ish as I should have been had I always loved you as I do now.
When I shall next press you to my bosom will your heart be
as full of tender and strong attachment as my own?

Rutherfordton, Aug. 3, — Friday.

Mr. Mebane has a settled fever which may last two or three
weeks. The physician does not consider him in danger. When
I shall be able to come home is altogether uncertain. Mention
these things to the 2doctor in excuse for my absence but with
provision that it do not come abroad so that the Mebane fam-
ily generally shall be distressed. I write to his father today.
My own health is perfectly good. Mr. Osborne must stay
with you until my return.

I hope he enters college. Farewell my dearest, well beloved
and only beloved wife.

E. Mitchell.

1 James Walker Osborne, was admitted, graduated with honor in 1830;
was afterward State Representative and Senator; Member of Convention
of 1861, and Superior Court Judge.

2President Joseph Caldwell.

7<f

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.

In addition to those on pag-e 6. I am grateful for valuable
information to Hon. M. H. Justice, of Rutherfordton, Col.
Paul B. Means, of Concord, and Professor Collier Cobb, of the
University of North Carolina.

£>.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph

No. 7,

William Richardson Davie: A Memoir

By
J. G. de Roulhac Hamilton, Ph.D.

Followed by His Letters with Notes

Kemp P. Battle, LL.D.

CHAPEL HILL

PUBLISHED BY THK I'XIVKUsiTV

1907

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
CHAPEL HILL

ERRATA.

Page 5, lino 22, for 1876 read 1776.

Page 6, line 5, for 1878 read 177S.

Page 7, line 19, for succesfful read successful.

Pa-e 8, line 17, for 1870 read 1780.

Page 9, line 12, for 1872 read 1782.

Page 17, note 2, for popular read poplar.

Page 24, note 3, for Blouut read Blount.

Page 24, note 3, for cemetary read cemetery.

Page 33, note 1, for Touqsaint read Toussaint.

Page 33, note 1, for S. Overture read L'Ouvertijre.

Page 35, notes should be numbered 1 to 4 instead of 3

to 6.

Page 37, note should be numbered 1.

Page 44, first note should be numbered 1.

Page 48, note 3, for Gothis read Gothic.

Page 54, last note should be numbered 5 instead of 2.

Page 63, last note should be numbered 3 instead of 1.

Page 63, last note, for Trivoli read Tivoli.

PREFACE*

In view of Davie's distinguished public services and more
particularly, because of his connection with the University of
N«>rtli Carolina, the following- of his letters seem worthy of
publication. So few of his letters have been preserved that
those which remain have an additional value and interest to
students of the character, life, and career of "The Father of
the University", who is also one of the most distinguished
figures in North Carolina history. The letters are annotated
carefully and freel3* wherever they are not self-explanatory.

As an introduction to the letters, there is a sketch of Gen-
oral Davie's life. With Dr. Hubbard's volume in the Sparks
Biographies, and Hon. Walter Clark's address at Guilford
Battle Ground already in existence and covering- the field so
ably, the author of this sketch felt some hesitation in under-
taking to write another, but as some new facts in reg-ard to
Davie had come to light in his investigations, it was thought
best that it should be done. He wishes, however, to acknowl-
edge his «4reat indebtedness to both of these writers above
mentioned. So constantly have they been used in preparing
tli is sketch that it was impossible to refer to them in the
notes. He also wishes to express his grateful acknowledge-
ments to his eolleague, Dr. Kemp P. Battle, for much infor-
mation in regard to Davie and for many helpful suggestions
as to the sketch.

WILLIAM RICHARDSON DAVTK

As in the case of many others of the Revolutionary charac-
ters of North Carolina, we lack many facts that would be of
interest and value in reg-ard to the life and ancestry of Gen-
eral Davie. At his death he left more of the material from
which history is written than most Southern men, but nearly
all of this disappeared in the wholesale robbery and destruc-
tion that accompanied Sherman's march through South Car-
olina. Thus many documents that would throw much light
on his early life and that would give a clear idea of his char-
acter, are missing.

He was the son of Archibald Davie and was born at Kgre-
mont, Cumberland county, England, on June 20th, 1756. x
His mother, whose maiden name was Richardson, named him
for her brother, the Rev. William Richardson, at that time a
Presbyterian clergyman in South Carolina.

In 1763 the Treaty of Paris put an end to the Seven Years'
War, or, as it was known in America, the French and Indian
War. Mr. Davie then visited America, and among other
places went to the Waxhaw settlement on the Catawba river,
where Mr. Richardson was living. There he left the son
under the uncle's care. The latter had no children and,
becoming very fond of his nephew, he adopted him as his son
and heir. From this time on, nothing is known of the boy's
relations with his father or the rest of his immediate family.
The elder Davie was in South Carolina during the Revolution,2
however, and it is probable that he and his son were in touch
with each other.

1 Some authorities give the date as 1759. -

2 State Records XI V., p. 760.

William Richardson Davie, 5

Davie's early education was received from his uncle, bul he
w.is lain- senl to Queen's College, an academy in Charlotte.
About 1772 he entered Nassau II. ill al Princeton. Dr. John
Witherspoon was at this time president of the college and

was famous for his patriotic ideas. A native of Scotland, he
was fond of saying that he had become an American the
moment he landed. He had great influence with his students
and they imbibed from him much loyalty to the cause of their
country which they would scarcely have received from the
surrounding population. Nor was his influence confined to
his students, for he was an influential member of the New
Jersey constitutional convention and of the Provincial Con-
gress. He was later a member of the Continental Congress
and signed the Declaration of Independence. In this body he
was prominent and his associates found him "as profound a
civilian as he was before known as a philosopher and divine."
He always wore clerical dress, and when an allusion was made
to it, said that he was "God's minister in a sacred and in a
civil sense."

The first service that Davie rendered to the patriot cause
and his first military service was before his graduation in
the summer of 1876, when, with the full approval of Dr.
Witherspoon, a party of students, of whom he was one, vol-
unteered for service in New York and were in the army for
ral months. In the autumn, upon his return to Prince-
ton, he took his examinations and was granted the degree of
er of Arts with first honor.
Before he could reach South Carolina, his adopted father
died and Davie was thus left practically alone in the world.
He had already settled upon the law as his profession and
Boon commenced the study of it in Salisbury. He was natur-
ally suited to the profession both in mental equipment and in
personality, and soon became much absorbed in his studies.
they were not to continue very long at this time, for in
the early winter of 1777, Charleston was threatened by the
Hritish and he joined a detachment raised in North Carolina

6 James Sp7'unt Historical Monog?'aph.

and put under the command of General Allen Jones. The
threatened attack being- abandoned, the force only reached
Camden and, after about three months of service, returned
home. Davie then resumed his interrupted studies. But in
the autumn of 1878, when it was discovered that the British
were planning- a Southern campaign, the Congress called
upon North Carolina to furnish 2,000 additional troops, and
early in 1779 a troop of cavalry was raised about Salisbury.
William Barnett, who raised the troop1 was made its captain
and Davie became one of the lieutenants. He was commis-
sioned by Governor Caswell, April 5th, 1779, and immediately
put in command of a detachment of 200 men and sent to
quell a threatened uprising- of the Tories probably in what is
now Burke county. Before his arrival, however, it had been
suppressed. Barnett's troop, upon joining- the Southern army
under the command of General Lincoln, was attached to
Pulaski's Legion, and Barnett resigning soon after, Davie
succeeded him as captain and in a short time received his
majority.

His first active service was in the battle of Stono, near
Charleston, on June 20th, 1779. Davie was seriously wounded
and dismounted but he was saved from certain capture and
possible death by an unknown soldier who, at the risk of his
own life, carried him off the field. For some time Davie was
in a hospital in Charleston and his wound refusing to heal
he found that military service would be an impossibility for
a considerable period. Thereupon he returned to his legal
study in Salisbury.

In September he received his license to practice before the
county courts, it being given him, it is said, at the request of
Nash who at once sent him to attend the courts on Holston
River, then in the western part of the State, in order to find
out the sentiment of the people. In the following spring he
was admitted to practice in the Superior courts.

i Davie is said to have suggested to Barnett that he should raise the
troop and to have done most of the necessary work himself.

Wtlham Richardson /></ 7

Bui Davie was too full of enthusiasm and patriotism to be
content with the business of civil courts when the can
his country was being tried in the supreme tesl of anus, and
sometime in tin- spring of 1780 he received authority to raise
a troop of cavalry and two companies of mounted infantry.
To equip these Major Davie sold his inheritance from his
uncle and used the proceeds.

During the summer he and his men took a notable part in
the operations on the South Carolina line. After several
skirmishes in which he showed great daring- and military
skill, he took part in the eng-ag-ement at Haug-ing- Rock and
after carrying his prisoners to Charlotte, turned South ag-ain,
(1 Gates retreating from Camdem, and in spite of the
hitter's wishes, went to the scene of the battle1 and there
saved a great quantity of stores. About this time he was
appointed a colonel by Governor Nash and g-iven authority
to raise a reg-iment. While this was being- done, Davie
moved about the British army with a small force of horse and
ras succesfful in several minor engagements. His services
were of great value, for while there was nothing- decisive in
the eng-ag-ements, he succeeded in keeping- the British in a
constant state of unrest and uneasiness, and thus did much
to destroy the morale of the enemy's force. For a time his
was the only organized and armed body in the South in active
opposition to the British. On September 26th, saying- that
he would give the British a taste of what Hornet's Nest
would give them, he held the whole army of Cornwallis in
check at Charlotte for several hours, and thoug-h compelled
in the end to withdraw, did so in g-ood order. The next da}*
at Salisbury his force was increased to over three hundred
nil *n and for the next two weeks he occupied himself in cut-
ting off supplies from Cornwallis, repressing- Tories and
inciting the patriots to increased efforts. During- all this

i General Gates wished Davie to turn back with him, but Davie told
aim that he and his men were perfectly acquainted with Tarletou and
not afraid of him at all.

8 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

time he showed his great qualities as a soldier and a com-
mander. Bold and dashing-, the ideal cavalry officer, he was
ready on an instant to seize any advantage that might pre-
sent itself and has been fittingly called the Hotspur of the
Southern army. But with all his dash and impetuosity, he
had great discretion and foresight, qualities for the lack of
which many have failed who otherwise would have been
great cavalry leaders.

The American success at King's Mountain caused Corn-
wallis to retreat into South Carolina and Davie followed close
behind. But in November the term of service for which his
men were enlisted, expired, and they returned home leaving
Davie without a command. He was not willing to be idle if
he could be of any service and, at General Smallwood's sug-
gestion, considered raising a legion. To obtain the neces-
sary authority he appealed to the Board of War at Halifax.
This extraordinary body had been created in 1870 with pow-
ers that were in excess of those granted by the State consti-
tution to the governor and commander-in-chief. The Board was
composed of Alexander Martin, John Penn, and Oroondates
Davis. Between them and Governor Nash there was open
disagreement and this caused the latter to decline to stand
for reelection. His successor, Thomas Burke, when he came
into office, declared the powers- granted the Board by the
General Assembly unconstitutional and reduced its members
to the authority of the governor by the threat of resignation.
In the strained relations existing between Governor Nash
and the Board, Davie's application was not considered and he
abandoned his plan. His opinion of the Board of War has
come down to us: "Nothing could be more ridiculous than
the manner in which it was rilled. Martin, being a warrior
of great fame,* was placed at the head. Penn, who was
only fit to amuse children, and Davis, who knew nothing but
a game of whist, composed the rest of the Board."

i Davie like the other military men of the time made fun of Governor
Martin at every opportunity for his alleged cowardice in battle.

William Richardson Pa. 9

But so valuable a servant was not long to be absent from
import. nit service. When General Nathaniel Greene suc-
ceeded Gates in the command of the Southern army, he met
D \ and offered him the office of commissary from which
Colonel Thomas Polk had jusl resigned, saying it was impos-
sible to Peed the army. It was not a position which appealed

in any way to Davie whose tastes were all for active service
in the field, and in addition, this position involved ceas
activity, forethought, and responsibility with no hope of
honor, reward, or excitement. But ambitious as he was, he
ms to have hesitated about its acceptance, and in
January. 1872, entered upon the duties of the office. General

tie soon sent him to appeal to the legislature of North
Carolina for men and means, and by that body he was made,
first, superintendent of the Salisbury district, and later, Com-

iry General of the State. The position under Greene,
difficult under the most favorable circumstances, was ren-
dered doubly so by the condition of the country and the
depreciation of currency, but Davie filled it with conspicuous
Success. Nor is it too much to say that he contributed as
much, if not more, to the success of Greene's army as any
man connected with it, not excepting- even that gallant and
skilful commander himself. He was with Greene for four
months and was present at Guilford Court House, Hobkirk's
Hill, the evacuation of Camden, and the siege of Ninety-Six.
It was during this siege that he was made Commissary Gen-
eral of North Carolina.

Difficult as his position with Greene had been this proved
even more so. Troops had to be equipped, supplies gathered
and sent South, though the means of transportation were lack-
ing, the people kept from discontent as much as possible,
and, at the same time, he was compelled to deal with three

mors of different types in one year.1 At times he was
obliged to have recourse to his. own personal credit to pro-

i Governors Nash, Burke, and Martin, the latter filling Burke's place
when he was captured by Fanning.

10 James Sfirimt Historical Monograph.

vide the supplies which were absolutely necessary for the
army. His difficulties were increased by the tax which the
legislature of 1781 laid. It was in brief:

."Each and every inhabitant of this State shall for every
hundred pounds value of their taxable property (money and
interest excepted) contribute and paj- to the commissioner of
his respective county one peck of corn, or half a peck of
wheat, or one peck of rye or half a peck of clean rice or two
and a half pounds of good fresh pork, or one and a half
pounds of good salted pork, or four pounds of good fresh
beef." The collecting officers were authorized to distrain
double the amount in the case of a refusal or neglect to bring
the specific article to the appointed places. The next year it
was increased to one bushel of corn or ten pounds of pork.
Like all taxes of the kind, it was doomed to failure in spite
ot strenuous efforts to collect it. Governor Johnston later
said that it was "the most oppressive and least productive
tax ever known in North Carolina." Davie was opposed to
it, but it must be remembered that through this tax and the
efforts of Davie in its collection, the State fed not only its
own troops but also those of Virginia. And failure to pro-
cure supplies at this time would have probably meant the
failure of the American cause. In 1782 the General Assmbly
abolished the offices of commissary and quartermaster. Gov-
ernor Martin wrote Davie. that he regretted that he found it
his duty to dismiss them. Davie replied, "I am sorry your
Excellency should feel a pang on that subject, as they have
already dismissed themselves. No man would desire to con-
tinue in a service where they reap no recompense but
reproach for their most active and zealous exertions." Davie
continued in his office until the close of the war and then
demanded a strict auditing of his accounts which, in spite of
the great volume of business of the office, the difficulties in
the way of business methods, and Davie's lack of prepara-
tion for such work, proved perfectly satisfactory.

Colonel Davie now resumed the practice of law and in 1783

William Richardson Da\ 11

went oo his firtl circuit. About the same time be married
Miss Sarah Jones, .1 daughter of General Allen Jones. H<-
also fixed upon Halifax as his place of residence. This town
was, at that time, one of the most important in the State and
more entitled to be considered the capital than any
other, for the General Assembly met there frequently and it
was the scene of nearly all executive business. Davie's prac-
aoon became immense. He was a brilliant and forceful
speaker and combined with this a capacity for hard work in
preparing' a ease that made him a most effective and power-
ful advocate. Judge Murphev, who knew him and had
heard him, said, "Davie took Lord Bolingbroke for his
model, and applied himself with so much diligence to the
Study of his master that literary men could easily recognize
his lofty and flowing style. He was a tall elegant man in
person, graceful and condescending in his manners. His
voice was mellow and adapted to the expression of every pas-
sion. His style was magnificent and flowing. He had a
greatness of manner in public speaking which suited bis
style and gave his speeches an imposing effect. He was a
laborious student and arranged his discourses with care, and,
when the subject suited his genius, poured fourth a torrent
of eloquence that astonished and delighted his audience.
They looked upon him with delight, listened to his long, har-
monious periods, caught his emotions, and indulged that
ecstacy of feeling which fine speaking and powerful elo-
quence can alone produce. He is certainly to be ranked
among the first orators whom the American nation has pro-
duced."

Davie by no means confined his practice to his own imme-
mediate section of the State. He was already well known in
the West from his former residence in Salisbury and his later
military service in that portion of the State, and to his mili-
tary reputation he speedily added even a greater one in the
law. Bis successful management of several important cases
made his services in demand throughout the State and he

12 • James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

practiced in all of the seven judicial districts1 except that of
Morganton which was the most western of them and also the
largest though most sparsely settled. In his practice Davie
did not confine himself to either branch of law. In every
civil case of importance he appeared, and it is said, probably
with truth, that during the whole period he was at the bar,
some fifteen years, not a capital case was tried in North Car-
olina in which he did not appear for the defence. His con-
temporaries, too, were far from being- mediocre, for among
them may be mentioned the names of James Iredell and
Alfred Moore, both destined for the Supreme Bench of
the United States, Francis Xavier Martin, later to be chief
justice of Louisiana, Judge John Haywood, later of Tennes-
see, and for a short time, William Hooper and Archibald
MacLaine. Of these the ablest and consequently Davie's
chief rivals were Moore and Haywood. Judge Murphey says
that the public could not reach any conclusion as to which
was the abler — Davie or Moore.

Among the notable cases in which Davie appeared was
that of Colonel Bryan, a Tory, who was tried for treason at
Salisbury in 1782. Davie assisted in his defense at the risk
of his own popularity, for it was no light thing to side with
a Tory when public opinion was running so high as it was in
North Carolina at that time. Bryan was convicted and sen-
tenced to be hung but was later pardoned. It is also worthy
of note that, in general, Davie was opposed to hajsh meas-
ures against the Tories, but his opinions and advice were
not heeded.

He also appeared in two other cases of such importance
that they may be mentioned here. In the case of Hamilton
vs. Eaton it was decided that the treaty of peace between the
United States and Great Britain repealed the North Carolina
confiscation act, and in Bayard vs. Singleton it was held that
the courts had the authority and at the same time the obli-

i The districts were as follows: Halifax, New Bern, Wilmington, Eden-
ton, Hillsboro, Salisbury, and Morganton.

William Richardson Davit* \Z

gation to declare acta of the legislature unconstitutional.'
For some years Davie seems to have taken n<> part in poli-
tics, bul in L786 and again in L787, he represented the borough

Of Halifax in the House of Commons. His reputation as a
soldier and as a lawer gave him great prominence from the
first and he soon justified his reputation by the ability he
displayed. In this first session he took a leading- part in the
debate on the charges brought against the three judges of
the State, Williams, Spencer and Ashe.

Much dissatisfaction had been caused in the State by the
conduct and decisions of the judges and many charges were
brought against them. It was stated that they were con-
stantly late at court and that Judges Ashe and Williams
even tailed altogether to attend certain courts. Disputes, too,
between Judge Spencer and Judge Williams, and in fact,
between all three, were said to have so delayed the business of
the courts as to convince those having an interest in cases
before them, that no judgment would ever be rendered. In
regard to their official actions the chief things brought
against them were in relation to the cases of Peter Mallet
and of Francis Brice and Daniel McNeill, though there were
many others. In 1783 Mallett had been accused of treason,
bttt had exhibited a pardon from the governor, and the jury
had decided that his rights as a citizen were thereby
restored. But in 1784 the court at Hillsboro questioned his
right to sue and stayed two suits that he had brought until
they could decide the matter and then delayed nearly a year
in coming to any conclusion. McNeil and Brice were
indicted for returning to the State after leaving it to avoid
punishment for treasonable acts. The court without a trial
took action against them which practically amounted to a sen-
tence of banishment.9 After the charges had been made, the
matter was referred to a committee on which, among others,

1 These acts are to be found in 1 N. C. Reports, pp. 84 and 42.
> The details of this matter may be found in the State Records, xvm
pp. 421-429, 477-483.

14 James Sprnnt Historical Monograph.

were Maclaine, Davie, Hooper, and Spaight. The report of
the committee was adverse to the judg-es but the committee
of the two houses decided that the judg-es had not been
guilty of any malpractice in office and this report was con-
curred in by the Commons. Davie entered a protest against
the concurrence but the sympathies of the House were with
the judges and a resolution was passed which practically
expressed full approval of their acts.

At this same session Davie was chosen a lieutenant colonel
of the State militia, a position which he held for many years
thereafter.

On January 6th, 1787, Caswell, Martin, Davie, Spaight,
and Willie Jones were elected as delegates to the Philadel-
phia Convention of 1787. Of these, Caswell, Martin, and
Jones were State Rights men. The language of the act of
appointment, however, showed the influence of the conserva-
tives. Jones declined to accept and Hugh Williamson
replaced him by the governor's appointment. To fill his own
place Caswell chose William Blount. This appointment
changed the complexion of the delegation, for both William-
son and Blount were conservatives and Martin thus remained
the only radical.

The Federal Convention opened May 25th. Four of the
delegation, including Davie, were present. Blount, who was
absent, soon appeared and completed the State's representa-
tion. Owing to the comparative lack of knowledge of the
deliberations of the body, we know but little of Davie's part
in its debates and workings. But from the debates as pre-
served by James Madison we find that he favored the Presi-
dent's being elected for a long term and then
being ineligible for reelection, and when that failed,
that he insisted upon his being liable to im-
peachment for misdemeanors in office. Through his
influence North Carolina finally sided with the smaller
States and gave the deciding vote for equal representation of
the States in the' Senate. He also brought his delegation to

William Richardson Da\ 15

ln's view that Senators should be elected 1>\ the State
[atures. The government was, he said, partly State and
partly national and "ought in some respects to operal
the States, in others on the people.?' It is interesting t<>
know that his first idea of the Senate was that it should rep-
resent property. When the debate <>n tin- basis of repr<
tation came, Davie saw that there was an effort to reduce the
representation from the South and at once gave the Conven-
tion warning that North Carolina would never confederate
on any terms that did not rate the slaves at least three-fifths
of the federal population. He ended his speech as follows:
"If the Eastern States therefore, mean to exclude them alto-
gether, the business is at an end."

Just before the Convention adjourned, Davie went home to
attend the fall courts and consequently did not sign the Con-
stitution. Had he been there he would undoubtedly have
done so. and in North Carolina he at once threw himself into
the struggle to secure its ratification. With James Iredell
he wrote a defence of the Constitution which was scattered
over the State. The chief opponent of the new government
lis wife's uncle, Willie Jones. The Federalists, as
they were soon called, had but little hope of ratification at
the time, but they hoped by the debates in the State conven-
tion to influence the people fof the future in favor of the
Constitution. It is to Iredell and Davie that the State owes
the preservation of the debates at Hillsboro in 1788, for they
prepared them for publication and bore the major part of the
expense. Hut they thereby erected a lasting- memorial of
their ability and eloquence. If James Iredell was, as it is
said, the most conspicuous figure in the body, Davie was
a close second t«» him and of the latter much was expected 03-
h is opponents. Porter of Halifax, alluding to him, said, "I
expect that very learned argument and powerful oratory will
-played on this occasion. I expect that great cannon
from Halifax will discharge great fireballs among us."
Davie and Spaighl as members of the Federal Convention

16 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

spoke frequently explaining- and defending- the Constitution.
But their efforts were unavailing- against the great State
Rig-hts majority, and ratification failed by a majority of
one hundred.

The Federalists were not greatly discouraged and con-
tinued the struggle with such success that another conven-
tion of the State was called by the next Genereral Assembly
to meet in Fayetteville, though not until November, 1789.
In spite of the great change of sentiment in the State since
the last convention, we find Davie, at the time it met, seri-
ously in doubt if ratification could be secured. But the Fed-
eralist leaders had shown that, while favoring- the ratifica-
tion of the Constitution, they regarded it as a compact
between the States, and this had robbed the opposition lead-
ers of their strongest argument. So the convention on
Davie's motion promptly ratified the Constitution and
adjourned.

Davie was not only a member of this body, but had, in
the meantime, been elected to the House of Commons. This
also met in Fayetteville in November and there, on November
12th, he introduced the bill for the establishment of the Uni-
versity of North Carolina. He was an earnest advocate of
the' education of the young and had already had much to do
with the establishment of the Warrenton Academy and was
at the head of its board of trustees. Through his influence
the University bill was passed in December and he became
one of the first board of trustees. Judge Murphey was pres-
ent at the debate on the bill and says, "Though more than
thirty years have since elapsed I have the most vivid recol-
lection of the greatness of his manner and the power of his
eloquence on that occasion." Not every able man seeing the
greatness of the plan would have dared to urge it upon the
legislature and secure its passage, for by many it was
regarded as class legislation and there was great fear also of
an increase in taxes. But so much the more honor to him,
not only for his far-seeing vision, but also for his courage.

William Richardson Davie* 17

Be w.iN v>t\ active in the work- which resulted in th<
being chosen, endowment raised, professors elected, and a
proper course of stud; being- outlined. His plan of the
course which was employed after some years was an elective
system much like the one employed today. He was an early
benefactor to the library, realizing the importance of that
institution. On October 12th,' 1793, as Grand Master of
Masons, which position, by the way, he held for seven consec-
utive rears, from 17u2 to \1^KK be laid the cornerstone of the
"Old East" building- at Chapel Hill, and in 1798, in the sain.
Capacity, he Laid the cornerstone for the South Building.
In many ways, by numerous acts of service, (fid he show his
deep interest in the young- and strug-gling- institution, and
well does he deserve the title g-iven him by the trustees
irly as 1810, "The Father of the University."2 In 1811
the I'niversity conferred Upon him the honorary degree of
LL.D., the first in its history.

Davie was ag-ain a member of the House of Commons in
1791. 17<).s, 1794, 17%, and 1798. When North Carolina ratified
the Federal Constitution, President Washing-ton offered him
a position as district judge but he declined. He wrote Iredell
that thoug-h he was anxious to escape from "our d-d Judges,"
tin salary was so poor that he could not afford it.

In 17(M the legislature elected him as one of the commis-
sion ers to settle the boundary between North and South Car-
olina and he was chosen for the same purpose in 1796 and
in 1803. But the question was not settled until some years
lie was during- all this time taking- an active and
prominent part in State affairs. He proposed a dig-est of the
Stat.- laws and James Iredell, at his sugg-estion, was
appointed to do the work. It was through his influence,
ly, that the territory forming the State of Tennessee
va- ceded by North Carolina to the United States. In the

<>ber 12th is observed by the University as "University Day."
the campus a flue old popular, oueof the original forest, is known
as the "Davie Poplar."

18 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

meantime he did not neglect his law practice which was still
great. Nor did he confine his attention exclusively to poli-
tics and the law, for he was always fond of agriculture and
devoted much of his time to his fine plantation in Halifax
county. He was instrmental in procuring a charter to drain
Lake Scuppernong and his company was granted the title to
all the land below low water mark. This plan, it is needless
to say, failed.

He still had an active interest in military affairs and was
still an officer in the militia. In 1794, when indications
pointed to a war with France, Governor Spaight appointed
him major general of the Third State Division. In 1797,
when by order of Congress, North Carolina raised a force of
7,000 men, Governor Ashe put Davie in command. The next
year the crisis had become so acute that the United States
commenced the embodiment of an army and Washington was
placed in command. President Adams appointed Davie a
brigadier general and Washington left it to him to make
appointment of officers for North Carolina. During this time
Davie prepared a manual of cavalry tactics which were
adopted by the State. These appointments show somewhat
the light in which he was regarded as a soldier both at home
and abroad.

In the winter of 1798 he returned to the General Assembly
and was by that body elected governor of the State over Ben-
jamin Williams. He did not serve out his term, however,
for during the following summer, President Adams appointed
him to replace Patrick Henry, who had declined on account
of ill health,1 as a member of the embassy to France then
under the government of the Directory. In September he
resigned the the office of Governor. Benjamin Williams was
chosen at the next election and the State was thus thrown
into the hands of the Republicans. While Davie was gov-
ernor the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were adopted
and copies were sent to all the States. Davie took the

1 Patrick Henry died June 5th, 1799.

\\ 1 1 hit >)i A ii'hitt'it >oti IhtiK . 1 '

ground that the Union was more in danger than the rights ol
the States and used his influence successfully against any
lion oi the legislature upon them.1

In November, with his colleagues William Vans Murray,
the minister to the Hague, and Oliver Ellsworth, the Chief
Justice of the Supreme Court, he sailed from Newport on the
frigate I Hi led Star

After a long and roundabout voyage they arrived in France
and reached. Paris early in March. By this time the Consu-
late had come into power arid Napoleon was First Consul.
On April 8tb he received them with great courtesy but nego-
tiations were delayed by his going to Italy, and the treaty
was not signed until the end of September. The envoys
were entertained much during this time and were the objects
of much attention from those in power. Davie's secretary,
Mr. Littlejohn, in speaking of him, said, "A man of his im-
posing appearance and dignified deportment could not fail to
attract especial attention and remark wherever he went. I
could not but remark that Bonaparte, in addressing the
American legation at his levees, seemed for a time to forget
that Davie was second in the mission, his attention being
more frequently directed to him/' Davie found France agree-
able to him in every way. He was a man of great culture
and versatility, and was an accomplished linguist, so it can
be readily understood that his stay in Paris was a charming
experience.

At the close of the negotiations, he returned to North Car-
olina, and upon his arrival was urged to run for Congress. For
business reasons he felt compelled to decline as did he when
in 1801 Jefferson placed him at the head of a commission to
negotiate with-the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, and Creek
Indians. lint in 1892, the President appointed him to nego-
tiate with the Tuscaroras and he accepted and a treaty was
concluded with them.

The next year his party again urged him to run for Con-

iWagstaff, State Kights and Political Parties in North Carolina, p. 37.

20 James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

gress, Willis Alston, the sitting- member, having deserted the
the Federalist faith. Davie consented but refused to canvass
the district, thus making- a doubtful contest a certain one — of
his own defeat. His unswerving Federalism, his opposition to
Jefferson and his luxurious habits and leaning toward aris-
tocracy, which was by no means the most ineffective argu-
ment against him, were brought forward with fatal effect and
he was defeated. Disgusted with politics and his life sad-
dened by the recent loss of his wife, he decided to leave
North Carolina. In November, 1805, he removed to a "Tiv-
oli," a large- estate he owned on the Catawba River in South
Carolina, where he spent the rest of his life in luxurious
retirement, entertaining numerous friends and acquaintances
and devoting much time to agriculture, and was the founder
and first president of the South Carolina Agricultural Soci-
ety.

In 1813, during the second war with Great Britain, Presi-
dent Madison appointed him a major general in the United
States army and his nomination was confirmed by the Sen-
ate. But his taste for battle was past and he declined. His
last years passing peacefully and happily, he died November
29th, 1820. He was buried at Waxhaw Church, Lancaster
county, South Carolina, and above him cut deep in stone is
the following well-deserved tribute:

In this grave are deposited the remains of

WILLIAM R. DA VIE,

The Soldier, Jurist, Statesman, and Patriot.

In the Glorious War for

AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

He fought among the foremost of the Brave.

As an advocate of the Bar,

He was diligent, sagacious, zealous,

Incorruptibly Honest, of Commanding Eloquence.

In the Legislative Hall

He had no superior in enlarged vision

And profound plans of Policy.

WilUam Richardson Da\ 21

Single in his ends, varied in his moans. Indefatigable
In his exertions,
Representing his Nation in an important Emba
He evinced his characteristic devotion to her inter

And manifested a peculiar fitness for Diplomacy.

Polished in manners, firm in action,

Candid without imprudence, wise above deceit,

A true lover of his Country,

Always preferring- the People's good to the People's favor,

Though he disdained to fawn for office,

lie tilled most of the stations to which ambition might aspire.

And declining no Public Trust,

Ennobled whatever he accepted

By true Dignity and Talent

Which he brought into the discharge of its functions.

A Great Man in an age.of Great Men,

In life he was admired and beloved by the virtuous and the wise

In death he has silenced calumny and caused envy to mourn.

He was born in Edinburg1 1756,

And died in South Carolina in 182<».

General Davie was survived by six children, three sons and
three daughters, and through them he has numerous descend-
ants.

In 1836 a new county, formed from Rowan, was named for
him.

From the narration of the leading facts of his life, it is
evident that he was a great man and that he was so regarded
by his contemporaries. But the question arises, what of his
nality? What sort of man was he in his private life?
These questions are difficult to answer. Such letters of his
;i^ are preserved are utterly impersonal, and yet he seemed to
be united 1>\ close ties of friendship with many of his asso-
ciates. It is probable that as a rule he was very reserved even
to his intimates, but it is doubtful if he was as cold in nature

1 A mistake.

22 * James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

as he had the reputation of being. The fire of his oratory
would contradict that. In appearance he was very tall with
fine features and eyes full of fire. His voice was resonant,
yet melodious and capable of every inflection, and his speeches
were distinguished for their fiery eloquence. While he was
an able debater, he won more through oratory than argument..
In education and taste far above the generality of his hearers,
he frequently talked "over their heads." This, however, did
not prevent his speeches from always being enjoyed. To
quote Judge Murphey again: "In the House of Commons he
had no rival, and upon all great questions which came before
that body, his eloquence was irresistible." He was very
proud and would not consent to stoop to gain popular favor and
he resented criticism of his tastes and habits as an infringe-
ment of his personal independence. Deeply infected with the
infidelity prevalent at the time, he never was in any sense a
religious man, but on the other hand his code of morals was
very severe and no word was ever spoken against his private
character. On all occasions he bore himself with dignity,
tempered with cordiality to his friends and by them was
greatly honored and beloved. The following extract from a
letter to Dr. Burke in 17&2 throws a little light on his tastes:
"My happiness, though very complete on Thursday last,
would have been more so by the presence of some of my absent
friends. I should have felt a singular satisfaction in seeing
you unlaced from the cares of State,

'Mingling o'er the friendly bowl
The feast of reason and the flow of soul'."

His love of reading had caused him- to collect a large library
and his collection of letters and papers was very large. Some
of these were destroyed by his son, but it remained for the
devastating horde of Sherman to scatter the rest along the
banks of the Catawba and add another chapter to their chron-
icle of destruction.

In a final estimate, Davie must rank well with all of his

Will ki m I\i(hanl>on Davie. 23

contemporaries it America. In at>ility as a soldier, as a

lawyer, <\\\(\ as ;i statesman, he may be placed very high. Also
in the things he accomplished, be stands far above other
North Carolinians of his time, and to many he would seem to
be the greatest son, though an adopted-one, of the State.

LETTERS*

Halifax, December 16, 1792.
My Dear Sir

I returned yesterday from Newbern, having- deferred
acknowledging your letters of the 6th and 20th of last month
from that place, as you would hear as early from this.

When I g-ot to Newbern the 30th of November I found your
name standing- on the list of candidates for the appointment
of Senator.. 'Martin, 2Leig-h and 3Blount were also

John Steele, to whom this letter was written, was a citizen of Salisbury,
son of Mrs. Elizabeth Steele, who aided General Greene in a perilous
time by the gift of a bag of silver dollars. He was a Representative in
Congress, Comptroller of the Treasury 1796-1802, State Senator and Com-
missioner for demarking the line between the two Oarolinas.

lAlexander Martin of Guilford, born in New Jersey, removed to Vir-
ginia, thence to Guilford County ; member of the General Assembly 1774
and 1775 In 1776, was Colonel of a regiment, was at the battles of
Brandywine and Germantown; was in the General Assembly 1779 to 1782
inclusive. He was Speaker of the Senate; Governor of the State 1782-84
and again 1789-93. He was a good patriotic man and a friend of the
University, notwithstandihg he wrote poetry which was doggerel.
Although acquitted by Court Martial the Federalists continued to charge
that he crept into a hollow log at Germantown.

2 John Leigh, member of the House of Commons for years from Edge-
combe.

3Thomas Blount, brother of Senator Win. Blouut and John Gray
Blount; settled in Tarboro; Representative in Congress 1803-09, 1811-12
and 1821-23. He married the daughter of General Jethro Sumner, whose
name, Jacky Sullivan, she changed to Mary Sumner. Blount died at
Washington and is buried in the Congressional Cemetary. He was a
Commissioner to locate the Capital and Blount street is named for him.

Letti 25

announced, 'Lenoir was put up i<>r Chief Magistrate, and
when I arrived, a strange coalition bad taken place between
the friends of Lenoir and Leigh, with the heterogeneous
assistance of Martin's; the object of all was to diminish your
strength The first ballot was a hut.- essay; the two Dis-
tricts of Cape Fear voting intentionally for none of the
candidates; on the 2nd and third ballots these two Districts
voted generally for you with Halifax District, and a few
friends about Salisbury. Leigh withdrew his name and
Mr. Blount then engrossed his 32 votes, this carried him a
little ahead; he had 31 before you stood 49 and 52— during
this time nothing could equal the activity and scandalous
behavior of several of Martin's friends (as was reported to
not willing- to step-forward openly themselves. He
found a proper tool in your friend 2M. Stokes, you know his
talents and principles. He first secretly, than as it became
ssary, openly charged you with deception and duplicity in
your public character, supporting it by the relation of what
he called n/'oct viz. ''the writing of two letters to two differ-
ent men, containing- different principles and contradictory
assertions, fashioning yourself on the political complection of
your correspondents. There was nobody who could contra-
dict it. and be asserted it with a degree of confidence which
gave" it credit and currency. He declared himself the
confidential depository of your political views and principles,
that they were all aristocratical, etc., etc., nay that you was

i William Lenoir. Born in Virginia, 20th of May, 1751 (O. S.), raised
i:i Edgecombe Co., N. C. Lieutenant in Rutherford's expedition against
the Oherokees; Captain at King's Mountain; Major General of Militia
after the Revolution; President of the State Senate; First President of the
Board of Trustees of the University; last survivor of the Charter Trustees;
<lic<l 1839 A county and town are named for him.

Qtford Stokes, of Wilkes Co.; Superior Court Clerk of Rowan
County; Principal Clerk of the Senate; Senator of the United States,
bate Senator and Commoner; Governor of the State, 1830-31
Indian Agent in Arkansas, died 1842.

26 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

the devoted of 'Hamilton. Martin's friends

made a most illiberal use of these reports, and every ballot
gained more or less ground; so completely had that wretch
poisoned the minds of the Edenton members, that they could
not be gotten even to examine them with any patience; (he
lodged in the same house with them). Between the 4th and
last ballot, the Cape Fear people were, shaken by the threats
of Martin's party with respect to the interest of Fayette, a
meeting- took place among the Western Members, in which
this threat had its effect, and Martin prevailed. Your friends
the made their last effort to serve you, that was by keeping
Martin out, he was however elected by a small majority.

2Caldwell, 3Dixon and 4Beard were zealous and active in
your interest, old 5Matthews I believe dealt doubly by you,
the Salisbury and Morgan votes for you would not have

exceeded 8 or 9. They left no stone unturned, urged

your want of age, not being 30 — your resignation as they
called it, was blazoned into a crime and made great use of —
they bestowed upon it the epithets of "vain, pompous,
arrogant," etc., etc. Altho' my friend these things are false,
I know they will be unpleasant, yet it is essential that you
should know them. I have therefore detailed them in their
original form. I did not hear Stokes assert these things for
he carefully avoided me every where, but every person men-

l Alexander Hamilton, an ardent advocate of a strong government and
very unpopular with the Jeffersonian Republicans of North Carolina.

2David Caldwell, Senator from Iredell County, probably an uncle of
Judge David F. Caldwell, whose father's name was Andrew.

3 Joseph Dixon, Senator from Lincoln: Major at King's Mountain,
afterwards Colonel. After the war General of Militia and Representati ve
in Cougress.

4Lewis Beard, often Commoner from the borough of Salisbury and
afterwards Senator from Rowan. The name is probably the same as
Baird.

SMusentine (or Mussendine) Matthews, eleven times a Commoner from
Iredell; was Speaker of the House; was also a Commissioner to run the
dividing line between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Lei ■ 27

Honed them, and he uraa publicly taxed with them as
Falsehoods by your friends.

EMenton becoming entirely detached from you. in the
manner] have stated, Mr, Blount taking* of course Newbern
and a pari of Halifax Districts, while Martin remained so
ful in the West-country, and Cape Fear ready to sacri-
v-ery thing for 'Fayette, it became utterly impossible to
effect your election. Mr. Blount and his friends behaved
toward you with great decency and candor, for this reason
and the purpose I mentioned 16 of your friends voted for him
on the last ballot. I was damnably mortified it is true, on
seeing that despicable creature prevail over you, and I felt for
the disgrace and degradation of my country, but every thing
is not possible at all times in politics. I am strongdy
inclined to fatalism of late, and have believed for some time
that God almighty made that man on purpose to disgrace his
country.

As to the business of the Electors it was done among- the
members of Assembly and nearly settled when I got down,
The manner of doing- business in the Senate would make men
suspect the Messiah. They will never trust any man there
twice if they can help it.

The last term of our Federal Circuit Court was lost
by the non-attendance of any of the Associate Justices. This
circumstance gave considerable dissatisfaction, and has
brought the Court into some discredit.

We suffer \ cry much here by the quantity of 3clip'd gold in

fette, <>r Fayetteville, worked strenuously to secure the location of

the Capital. The Cape Fear valley and the country west of it favored

villi , hut the valleys of the Roanoke, Tar and Neuse won the

North Carolina did not join the Union until November 1789 she

did not participate in the first election for President. For the second

n the General Assembly directed the members of that body from

the counties comprising each judicial district to choose the Presidential

SDavie speaks of foreign coins. Our coinage began in 1792.

28 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

circulation, every man who takes it by tale is obliged to be
cheated. I hope some measures will be taken to remedy this
evil.

I hope it will not be forgotten that we have a great quan-
tity of paper afloat, 'Haywoods, the late emission etc., etc.
Mr. 2Taylor had introduced a resolution to instruct you not
to assume our paper money. I have not heard its fate.
Adieu my friend, let hear from you soon.
I am with great respect

and attachment
My best respects to Yours, etc.

Mr. Macon and Mr. 3G Wiluam R. Davie.

To Honorable John Steele, Ksq.,
Philadelphia.

4Mr. Benehan's, July 22nd, '95
My Dear Sir,
I regret exceedingly the various causes which produced

1 John Haywood was Treasurer of North Carolina, 1787 to 1827. The
State paper, called bills of credit, issued during the Revolutionary war,
was virtually repudiated, as only $1.00 in good money was offered for
$800 in bills After the war new issues were voted from time to time.
The Constitution of the United States forbids such issues by the States.

2John Taylor was United States Senator from Virginia, Caroline
County.

<*Mr. G. was Wm. Barry Grove, of Fayetteville, Member of Con-
gress.

4Mr. Bennehan (Richard), of Petersburg, was selected by Mr. Wm.
Johnston, a rich merchant of Hillsboro, to take charge of his country
store on Flat River. By strict integrity, intelligence and good manage-
ment, as well as by marriage, he accumulated a large estate, which de-
scended to his son, Thomas D. and daughter Rebecca, who married Judge
Duncan Cameron. As Thomas D. never married, Mrs. Cameron ulti-
mately inherited the whole. Richard Bennehan, and after him, Thomas
D. , lived on the road between Hillsboro and Raleigh and dispensed a
bountiful hospitality. Both were Trustees and benefactors of the Uni-
versity.

Letters.

ir absence from the board. However as the Arabs bj

m1 would have it so and man must submit", under misl'or-

tunes like yours there is no comfort, because nothing ran be
substituted, the only resource for the human mind in such

^> is in a kind of philosophic fortitude, the calm result of
time, reason and reflection.

The Business which occupied the board, exclusively of the
Examination, I suppose "Glasgow has shown \<>u. and also

deposited with yon the Journal - some of the objects of your
letter were aeted upon as you will perceive by those papers —
the Board of Trustees sat so constantly that the building
Com. could do no business.

Patterson became extremely clamorous to be paid for his
extra work, the Hoard being pressed on this Head took it up;
but his charges were found so excessively exorbitant, and
his work so infamously done, that they referred it again to
the Commissioners, I verily believe he has charged six or
H'ven prices for the painting, the rest of the work is on the
^aine ratio.

Mr. Hopkin's bill to my astonishment was almost as bad,
so nothing was done in that either.

I am very desirous that we should close our accounts before
the meeting of the next board, at least so far as regards the

iThis letter was written to Treasurer John Haywood, who was one of
the Commissioners to select the site of the University. He was a Trustee
and on the Building Committee. He had recently lost his first wife, and
it is interesting to see what consolation a free-thinker could offer.

-Glasgow, who acted as Secretary at the meeting of the Board, was
Secretary of State, having held the office since 1776 by elections. He
was a militia officer in the Revolutionary war, and so popular that a
county was named in his honor. He was fouud to have been engaged
with others in defrauding the State in the issue of land warrants, was
tried and convicted, then settled in Tennessee. The county's name was
< hanged to Greene in 1799.

tenon .. Tames) was a Chatham man. He built the Old East and
the President's house, now Prof. Gore's.

'Hopkins (Samuel) built Person Hall.

30 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

principal building-, the President's House and the Steward's
— and hope it will be in jour power to have our journal
brought up and an account stated.

Serious and I believe well-grounded complaints are made
against the conduct of the JSteward; I have written fully to
2Mr. Kerr and also to 3Harris on this subject, whether this
will have any effect I know not; these Gentlemen did not
think proper to mention it when the board was sitting altho'
they had given assurance to the students that they would
certainly do so.

The students, every thing considered, acquitted themselves
well, but the next examination will be a better test of the
capacity and the attention of the professors. They will soon
suffer very much for want of rooms and an expedient was
adopted to give temporary relief from this mischief; by
building a house for a grammar school with three or four
lodging rooms.

iThe Steward, John Taylor, (called Buck T.), was a Revolutionary sol-
dier, a plain farmer. It was natural that his culinary knowledge was
limited, and not suited to the tastes of Allen and Hyder Ali Davie, whose
father's wealth could command the best cooks in the land.

2David Ker (as he wrote his name) was the Presiding Professor, a
Scotch Irishman, educated at Trinity College, Dublin. He was a Presby-
terian preacher at Fayetteville, when elected — was very capable but
imbibed infidel notions and lost his place, became a Judge in the Missis-
sippi Territory, by appointment of Jefferson.

^Charles Wilson Harris was a native of Cabarrus, graduate with high
honors at Princeton, was first Tutor, then Professor of Mathematics in the
University of North Carolina, then Presiding Professor. He settled at
Halifax, had promise of an eminent career, but died of consumption at an
early age.

4The grammar school was ill what was then woods, to the north of the
village, not far from the Foxhall (Vauxhall) Spring. It was abandoned
by the University about 1820. A squatter, Peyton Clements, the last of
the old time hunters, took possession of it and held it with his family
about twenty years, when it went into ruins. The school was once well
patronized. Some of the best men of the State were prepared by it for the
University.

Let 31

The papers you enclosed to me I lodged with 'Mr. Alvea bo
that they can be had at any time.

Please let me know whether a receipt is necessary to you
for Preand's money forwarded with your last letter.

Adieu, lot me hear from you, and be assured 00 man has a
more sincere interest iii your happiness than

Yours

W. K. Davie.

P, S. I set out for Halifax tomorrow.

Halifax, Pebry. 26th, ,(>7
Dear Sir,

I feel myself greatly indebted to you for your obliging*
attention to- my boys, and beg" you to accept my thanks.

The subject of conferring 3degrees has been attended with

lAlves (Walter) was Treasurer of the University. He was a son of
James Hogg, who had the names of his boys changed to their mother's by
legislative enactment. He married Amelia Johnston, daughter of a Hiils-
boro merchant, who owned shares in the Transylvania Company. Hence
Alves removed to Henderson in Kentucky, the chief settlement of the col-
ony.

-The chief business transacted by the Board of Ttustees at this meeting
was the adoption of regu[atious for the government of attorneys and for
collecting the dues of those who had bought confiscated land on credit.
This proved to be a source of odium to the institution.

The completion of the buildings began and the erection of the Grammar
School were provided for. Apparatus and books were ordered to be pur-
chased.

Advertisement in the North Oaroliua Gazette for a Steward was ordered.
Other business of a routine character was transacted.

in 1876 the University conferred the degree of Artium Baccalau-
LB.) for a course including both Latin and Greek; Philosophiae
Baccalaurens (Ph B.) for one including Latin or Greek; and Bachelor of
Science (B.S.) where neither classic was studied. Recently the faculty
i t«» grant A.B. for every course. From J 804 to 1876 this degree
was granted only when both classics were studied. In 1854 the degree of
B.S. was added but not Ph.B. It is remarkable that Davie's Plan of
Education should have been so far ahead of his time.

32 James Sftrunt Historical Monograph.

some difficulty, and difference of opinion, and this difficulty
has been occasioned principally by the variation of our plan
of education from that of other colleges or Universities. A
Bachelor's degree generally imports a knowledge of the
learned languages as well as the sciences, to confer such a
degree upon a person who understood neither Latin or Greek
does not appear to be proper. The ruling or leading prin-
ciple in our plan of education is, that the student may apply
himself to those branches of learning and science alone which
are absolutely necessary to fit him for his destined profession
or occupation in life, that as you observe "one study does not
imply the necessity of any other, unless of One which is
necessary to make it intelligible':" but I am well convinced of
the utility and policy of conTerring degrees, and granting
special certificates as soon as a general plan can be adopted;
which I think may be done at the next meeting; so that those
entitled to a degree or diploma at the November examination
might receive them soon afterwards.

My own mind has not been perfectly made up on this sub-
ject but I will be obliged to you for your opinion upon the
following plan.

That every student who should stand an approved exami-
nation upon the English language, and such of the Latin or
Greek classics as are directed to be studied, and the sciences,
shall receive a Bachelor's degree in the usual form conferred,
by a diploma in the Latin language, making a knowledge of
one of the dead languages necessary.

That the student who shall pass an approved examination
upon the English language, and the sciences as taught at
the University should receive a diploma in English certify-
ing his knowledge and progress of the arts and sciences.

That those diplomas should be signed by the President and
some members of the Trustees, as well as the certificate of
Masters degree, and distinguished as diplomas; that in all
other cases certificates should be granted by the Principal of

l.rl! \Z

the University, especially stating; the progress of the Btudent
on| application made.

I am very anxious that mj sons Bhould be taught to dance

well, if you approve of the Master who now offers to teach,
I wish my sons to be entered by the quarter. There are some
French Gentlemen at Newbern who leach dancing in the

most elegant stile, they are really Gentlemen and unfortu-
ate refugees from 'St. Domingo, and I intended upon going
wbern to see if one of them could be induced to come
up and teach the boys, I hope therefore the students will
only engage with the present master by the quarter.

I am respectfully yours

W. &. Davik.
To Joseph Caldwell, Esquire,

University of North Carolina.

Mr. James Hogg-, to General Davie.

June, 1797.

Sir.

In my letter by 2Dr. Hall I acquainted you that all the
classes under Mr. Caldwell and Mr. 3Holmes had acquitted
themselves well, and I think I made particular mention of
each class: I was not particular I believe about the classes

iThe insurrection in San Domingo against the French was in 1791 and

Many wealthy and cultivated planters fled to the United States.

A f towards General LeClere was sent to reconquer the island. His army

arly ruined by disease. Napoleon obtained possession of the rebel

leader, Touqsaint S. Overture, by fraud it is charged, and imprisoned him

for lit*- in France. General Davie's sons turned out to be elegant men.

-Dr. Hall was probably Thomas H. Hall, M.D., of Tarboro, afterwards
a Representative in Congress.

i regard to Hogg, Delvaux and Richards have already been
given, also about Caldwell. Holmes (Samuel A.) was first Tutor and
then Prof* \ncient Languages in this University 1796- '98. He

•ecame a lawyer and soon afterwards died.

34 fames Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

in the preparatory school. My attendance that morning- on a
Board of Trustees and attendance thereafter to the conclud-
ing examination, from neither of which I could properly
absent myself, obliged 'me to break off my writing- abruptly
and Dr. Hall went off immediately when the examination was
over. I have now set down to make up the defect.

Mr. Delvaux's classes on Sallust, Caesar, Cor. Nepos,
Eutropius, and 2 classes on Corderius, seemed to me to be
taug-ht with accuracy: It is true they had been prepared but
each student drew by lot, the chapter or section which was
read. His students also in the French Grammar gave satis-
faction. He has a class in the Latin Grammar which was
not examined.

Mr. Richard's classes on Telemachus and Gil Bias French
Exercises and Fables and in French Grammar made a satis-
factory examination. A larg-e class on the common rules of
Arithmetic and Practice and a large class in Eng-lish Gram-
mar in g-eneral performed well. — 2 classes of Readers and
Spellers were examined tog-ether, on the forenoon of the 5
day, when every body had made ready to start as soon as it
was over. The examination was very superficial, and from
it I could not form any certain judgment of the care of the
master or proficiency of the students. Some pieces of their
writing- were also there exhibted.

From several complaints I have heard and some observa-
tions of my own, I have been long apprehensive that Read-
ing, spelling- and writing have not been attended to with
such care as to give g-eneral satisfaction. At the same time
it will be allowed that some boys have made reasonable pro-
ficiency in their studies. Few men that can do these thing's
will submit to the drudgery of teaching reading and spelling-.

There were 62 or 63 boys in the Preparatory School, about
20 of whom had for some time past, been taught reading- and
spelling- by Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Holmes, to give time to
Mr. Richards to attend to the new French class.

After having taken under consideration the memorial of

Leiii 35

Mr. Caldwell relating t<> the misunderstanding between Mr.
Delvaux and Mr. Richards, the Board authorized the Pacultj
to find .in assistant to them till next meeting. They have in
view Robt. Moore who it is thought, will give the necessary
assistance for the benefit of free education.— Mr. Catdwell
has mentioned to me, a Mr. Murphy from Caswell County, I
think, as properly qualified to till Mr. Delvaux's place, in
leaching the preparatory latin classes. I have a ^reat opin-
ion of Delvaux's grammatical accuracy. I am afraid it will
be difficult to meet with his equal in that respect.

The more 1 know Mr. Caldwell the more I am pleased with
him. I think him a respectable character and well qualified
to till the Mathematical and Philosophical Chair. — Perhaps
he has not studied as attentively Moral Philosophy and the
Belles-lettres, but I believe him possessed of talents suffi-
cient, to attain to any proficiency in any science that may
be necessary, and I am very sorry that he has notified his
determination to leave us. He seems to think that his con-
stitution is too weak, to undergo the anxiety and fatig-ue of
the President's place. At the same time he seems disposed
to ijive us time to lookout and provide a successor.

Mr. 2Jones told me that he had information from Mr. Col-
lins in Edenton, that our seminary was under disrepute there
and Mr. 4Watters just arrived from the North East, says that
ame opinion prevailed there, and that it was mere neces-
sity, made them send their children from that place. It

Moore (Robert) of Rowan Comity, stood high in his classes.
i\Ur. .luiies" is Willie Joues of Halifax, one of the committee to select
^ of the University. He wielded a wide influence — was a member
• >t" tin- Revolutionary Congresses and General Assembly, Chairman of the
Committee of Safety. Member of the Continental Congress and of the
• Convent ion to adopt the Constitution of the United States.
ins (Josiah) was a wealthy citizen of Edenton.
ir. Watters" (Henry) was a lawyer of Hillsboro, one of the attor-
neys of the University. The "Northeast" was the Albemarle country.

36 James Sftrunt Historical Monograph.

seems that they think meanly of all our teachers. This seems
to confirm Dr. 'McCorkle's observation.

Mr. Jones was much pleased with our examination and in a
short but comprehensive speech, highly complimented the
Teachers and Students.

He promised to have a publication in the Halifax paper, to
make known, the great proficiency of the students and the
promising- aspects of our seminary, which I hope has been
done. All the papers in the State should be requested to
republish it.

Halifax, July 19th, '97.
2Dear Sir,

I received by the last post your letter of the 29th ulto. it is
necessary for me to mention here, how much and how sin-
cerely I regret the resolution you have taken, I had hoped
that your situation would become as agreeable to you as it
was important to the State. We are all, however, in pur-
suit of happiness, and it is not for me either to judge for you,
or call upon you to make sacrifices which perhaps nothing
could compensate; you will observe by the laws it will be
necessary to notify the President.

iDr. McCorckle (Samuel E.) was a Presbyterian minister, who had a
school called Zion-Parnassus six miles west of Salisbury. He was an
active Trustee, delivered the address at the laying of the corner-stone and
prepared the first "Plan of Studies." He was elected te but declined the
office of Presiding Professor.

SJoseph Caldwell was born in New Jersey, April 21, 1773, educated at
Princeton ; Professor of Mathematics in the University of North Carolina
1796; Presiding Professor for the next year; spoke of resigning but was
induced to remain on Gillaspie's becoming Presiding Professor; resumed
that office in 1799; was made President in 1804; exchanged that office for
the Chair of Mathematics in 1812; again President in 1816; died
January 24, 1835; was author of a- text-book of Geometry, "Letters of
Carlton," advocating the building of railroads, and other pamphlets,
especially one in favor of Public Schools.

LetU 37

I .mi \.-rv sorry that .1 proper spirit of accommodation does
not appear to exisl between Mr. Richards and Mr. IMvaux,
it seems to me, that in this I maj be mistaken) that two
Tutors are sufficient for the preparatory school without
exposing the scholars to any disadvantage; if assistance is
necessary the mode proposed by Mr. Hogg is certainty the
most eligible that can he adopted, jou can judge with justice
and precision what these Gentlemen can and ought to do,
and I beg you to give me your opinion.— In the mean time,
as no Hoard has met, we must leave it to the P^aculty to man-
age the matter in the best manner they are able.

1 was in great hopes that the Board would have met on the
11th of July so that an ordinance could have passed
respecting the manner of conferring degrees, and I intended
to have transmitted the draft of an ordinance for that pur-
pose.— Should any of the students be prepared to take their
d< o-rees at the annual Examination, proper measures will be
taken to remedy any inconvenience that may arise from the
want of an ordinance to regulate that matter at present, the
Committee and Faculty will be requested to make the proper
entry on a Journal for that purpose and gr^nt the candidate
a certificate accordingly. The Board will take the business
uj) the moment they meet, and Diplomas wTill then be issued
to those Gentlemen who are entitled to them, this if you
please you can make known to the Gentlemen of the Senior
Clasv

I have conversed with several of the Trustees on this sub-
ject, and they generally concur in the principles I once stated
to you on this subject, which you can also mention if you
deem it proper.

'-'Richards came to America as a sailor, deserted, joined a strolling

]»hiyers' company. At Warrenton he was employed as an assistant in the

•1 <>f Rev. Marcus George. Then came to the University as Tutor.

>vas highly regarded. Delvaux seems to have been a good man.

Nothing is known of him. He was probably a refugee from San

Domingo or a French emigre\

38 James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

I am sorry that any mistake should have happened respect-
ing* the money paid for the board of the boys; it shall be
immediately rectified upon my coming- up in October, in the
mean time please to complete the payment to the steward or
arrange it with him that he may have no complaint. — You
will remember the money was in different papers; and I
thoug-ht that I had reed, eight pounds from Col. Whitaker of
Raleig-h, and added forty shilling-s myself to make up the
ten pounds; in this however I suppose there must have been
some mistake.

I am extremely anxious to hear of the result of the Exam-
ination. Believe me with great respect

Your mt. obt.

W. R. Davie.
To

Joseph Caldwell, Esquire,

University of North Carolina.

Halifax Nov. 14th '97.
Dear Sir,

I received yesterday your letter of the 31st ulto. It is not in
my power to give you all the satisfaction I wish in regard to
"Mr. George; I expected to have received an answer from him
before this time in writing- but none has come to hand, on my
return we had some desultory conversation respecting- the
business, but he had positively concluded upon nothing-, and
appeared rather unwilling- to leave Warrenton.

A 2Mr. Rhea of Virginia, to whom perhaps you was intro-
duced by Mr. Jones in July last, will be at Raleigh with the

iRev. Marcus George, a noted classical teacher in Warrenton. He
declined to accept a chair in the University.

2What is here said of Mr. Rhea is about all we know of him. Hv
became professor of Ancient Languages in the University 1806 1814.

Letters, 3<>

intention of offering for .1 professorship. I am told be ia a
man about middle age, has been teaching about si
has a family, and is highly spoken of where he resides. I
have never seen him I have not a word from Gillespie, every
effort will be made to procure a proper character, and a man
who could Ik- a considerable addition to your society.

Be so ^>nn\, if I should not have the pleasure of seeing yon
here before I sot out for the federal Court, to write to me by
tin- boys. .

I am very respt, yours,

W. R. Davik.

P. S. I shall leave this place on the 20th for the Federal

Court, if you could so arrange your matters as to stay or
spend that time with me here, I would endeavor to render
the event agreeable to you.

Joseph Caldwell, Esquire,

University of North Carolina,

Halifax, Aug. 21st '%.
Dear Sir

I received by the last post your letter of the 19th with the
enclosure and will proceed to prepare the answer upon
documents.
I should be very sorry should it be really the case that

^General Davie had two sons in the University in 1795, Allen Jones
and Hyder Ali, the latter being evidently in the Preparatory Department.
Neither graduated and after long interruptions we find Hyder Ali a reg-
tndent as late as 1804. Allen was Major in the War of 1812, and
: Dr. William R. Davie, a surgeon m the Florida war. 1888 His
grand-daughter, Mary Fraser, was wife of the late Edward McCrady of
Charl.-stou, a sound lawyer and author of a valuable history of South
Carolina. A son of Dr. William R. Davie, of the same name, was a Cap-
tain in the Confederate army. Hyder Ali left one daughter, who inar-
a Bedon and left many descendants.

40 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

General 'Person lost his election owing to his donation to the
University — but I am informed that his opponents succeeded
against him on the charge of nonresidence, this fact was
true, that his residence in Granville was merely nominal.

I am very happy that every thing* goes on well at the Uni-
versity for a thousand reasons, and that certain croakers may
be disappointed.

Make my respects to your family and believe me very
sincerely

Yours

W. R. Davie.
2James Hogg, Esquire,

Hillsborough, North Carolina.

Landsford, Catawba, June 11th 1800.
Dr Sir,

We were so much engaged, when I had the pleasure of din-
ing with you, that I forgot to give you the necessary
directions how to find my house; the plantation being
covered from any view from the great road by a skirt of
woods. You will pass at the O.N. ford in preference to the
ferry, as it is a good ford, 2 miles nearer, and the ferry is
badly kept. If you cross at the ford get directions at Capt.

iGeneral Person (Thomas) was prominent as a General of Militia in
the Revolution and as a member of State Congresses, was a member of
the Committee that reported the State Constitution. He died at one of
his plantations in Franklin County. His gift of $1040 in silver dollars for
finishing "Person Hall," or the "Old Chapel," could hardly have caused
his defeat. History shows that no odium attached to those who helped
the University.

2 James Hogg was a Fayetteville merchant, afterwards moved to Hills-
boro. He was a Commissioner to select the site, and then to locate the
buildings, of the University. The Norwoods and Binghams of Orange
and Huskes of Fayetteville are descended from him,

^General Davie called his plantation "Tivoli."

Let 4i

Heron's to the mill about a mile from the ford, win-re you
will be directed aa to the remainder of the road, which is
easily found, after yon pass two forks near the mill; the road
then most deeply marked by the waggons will bring you to
tli»' Lands-ford. When you conn- within a mile and '.■ of my

house you will probably observe a grave yard, and when you
come nearly opposite my gate you will observe a road goes
OUl to the left hand, which in 200 yards brings you to my
gate; should you pass this fork, vou will soon come to a place
too remarkable to pass your notice, the road from Chester
Ct.H. and the road from my house, come into the post road
(which is the one you will travel ) exactly at the same place on
different hands. You have then nothing- to do but to turn up
the road leading- to my House, the post is not 250 yds. from
my gate: You may perhaps observe a g-ood deal of timber
has been cut nearly opposite to the plantation at different
tim<

My cotton is greatly improved since I left home, as well as
tin corn— rain however is wanting. You observe how
strangely things are working- in Spain. "The world was

made for Caesar" Voltaire, with his 'second causes,

would smile at my superstition but I confess I have no other
way of accounting- for more than half the events within the
last 15 years. Adieu my best reg-ards to your family and
believe we with great reg-ards yours etc.

W. R. Davie.
( ieiieral John Steele

Salisbury.

• Professor H. H. Williams gives the following description of V<>1
(aire's doctrine of "second causes."

"The theology of the 18th century is called Deism. And the principle
in this is that God is not now in the affairs of the physical world.

Then if this is so, any event is the result of inevitable law. And this
pplied to human life is Fatalism. Then we lose the great facts of
y and Personal Oare from God.
"Fatalism appears now sporadically as Materialism."
In other words Creation is the first cause. All subsequent changes are
from "second causes" over which we have no control.

42 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

Catawba, near Lancaster Ct.H.

September 20th 1800.
My Dear Sir,

When I wrote you last I had no certain advices from the
Eastward, nothing- but general hopes, etc., I am now
informed that our Eastern brethren have decided, and 'Gen-
eral C. Pinckney has consented to become their candidate,
Delaware comes in also, hope was once entertained from hav-
ing- Pennsylvania and Maryland; but on what grounds I know
not, much is expected from South Carolina, but as this must
depend on the combined and steady efforts of the friends of
correct principles, all your aid will be wanting, and I am sure
will not be withheld. Nothing can be done here, nor I sup-
pose Georgia; and I confess that I do not yet see clearly how
this important object can be effected. They seem however to
be sanguine; and I will write you as I receive informa-
tion.

I am afraid the eager vivacity of the federal printers will
induce them to exaggerate and excite so much alarm as to
produce a coalition of the shattered parties of the other side,
would it not be possible to impose some discretion; some pru-
dence upon these people, they are continually sounding the
tocsin of alarm.

Adieu write me, and let me know what information you
have; and your prospects.

Yours sincerely

W. R. Davie.
Genl. Steele

.Salisbury.

iCharles Cotesworth Pinckney, of South Carolina, was Minister to France
and author of the reply to the French Directory, "Millions for defence,
not a cent for tribute." He was very popular but the Republicans car-
ried the election. John Adams was the Federalist candidate for the
Presidency and Pinckney for the Vice-Presidency. Adams had 65 votes in
the Federal College and Pinckney 64, while Jefferson and Burr secured 73
each. The trouble following this tie led to a change of the Constitution.

Leilas.

Hai.hax.
1-Ybv. 2nd 1801
John Steele Bsq.

Dear Sir
1 Battered myself with the hope <>f receiving a Letter from
\<>u that would have developed some of the mysteries of the
day, \^\\ will easily imagine how much a man as distant from
information as I am must be astonished at some things, the
Impossibility of reconciling them with any fixed principles,
with anv connected system of procedure leaves every thing
merely conjectural.

My last letters from Congress under date of the 23rd state
that the Presidential election is as interesting- and as doubt-
ful as ever, that the Federalists own the destruction of the
constitution as an event certain under the administration of
Mr. JetTerson, and as to the administration of Mr. B.,(Burr)
altho' it may be energetic, no man knows what course it may
take.

I have been visited by a great number of the most enlight-
ened friends of government in this part of the country since my
return, they all express an insuperable repugnance to the
election of Burr, urging- his want of character, etc., etc.
'In my own opinion it is a measure that will sink the feder-
alists in the opinion of the majority, and in its operation effect
the destruction of the Federal party, by becoming responsi-
ble for an administration they can neither control nor influence,
and consecrating beyond all doubt Mr. Jefferson in the eyes
of the people.

l Notwithstanding the advice of Davie, the Federalists in the House of
Representatives supported Burr. Eight states, New York, New Jersey,
Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennes-
see voted for Jefferson. Six states, New Hampshire, Massachusetts,
Rhode island, Connecticut, Delaware and South Carolina for Burr.
Nine were necessary to a choice. Vermont and Maryland were divided,
Jefferson was nominated on the 36th ballot. The Federalists from Ver-
monj withdrew to allow that state to be counted for him. Four Federal-
in Maryland and one from Delaware cast blank ballots.

44 James Sftrunt Historical Monograph.

The present crisis is peculiarly gloomy; under Mr. Jeffer-
son, it is said, every institution must crumble to dust, in the
administration of Mr. Burr, no man knows what to expect, of
course no man has confidence , an alarming- degree of discon-
tent and disgust pervades every description of society, the
public spirit appears to be destroyed by party rage, and the
effects of these domestic evils are increased by party embar-
rassments; in this situation, where the most consummate pru-
dence can only make a choice of evils, it appears to me that
the true policy of the Federalists is to act an open, manly
and decided part, by yielding at once to the public sentiment,
with the best possible grace, and placing the painful respon-
sibility of the future where it ought to be, on the succeeding
adm in istratton .

The public mind in this quarter is haunted with apprehen-
sions of dissolution of the Union, etc. pray let me know the
state of things.

Enclosed with this is a small package for Mr. 'Murray,
which I would have troubled Mr. 2Marshall with, but not
knowing how long he would Secy, of State, I have taken the
liberty to trouble you with it, and beg you to forward it by
the first safe conveyance.

Believe me with great respect and esteem your most obd.

3W. R. Davie.

Halifax Feby. 22d 1801.
Dear Sir

The last advices we had respecting the election of a Presi-

2Murray (William Van), of Maryland, was colleague of Davie in his
mission to France.

2Marshall (John) , continued to be Secretary of State until the close of
John Adams' administration.

3The letter was addressed to General Steele while Comptroller at Wash-
ington, D. O. He was continued in the office by Jefferson, but resigned in
1802, giving as a reason that he did not wish to remove his family to
Washington.

Letters.

denl were under date of the 13th when it was said 19 'ballot-
ings had taken place without any variation <>r anj pr<
a decision, the situation of suspense and incertitude has pro-
duced the most disagreeable effects in this quarter of the
Country; the friends of government are seriously alarmed for
the Union) and the violence of the antifederal party seems to
have no hounds; resentments created and renewed by repeated
conflicts have given a stability to certain opinions, and the
wild frenzy of a demagogue is admired by the mass of the
people as an effort of the sublimest patriotism and it would
be difficult to say to what lengths this malignant influence
would not carry them; I pray you to write to me and let me
know the real state of things, that I may have it in my power
to allay in some measure the inquietitude of our friends.

I observe the Senate have passed the 2Judiciary bill, a great
deal will depend on the appointment of these Judges; they
ought to be men ot known weight of character, and men of
active and popular, as well as professional talents; on their
exertion will depend in a great measure the cause of Federa-
lism in the Southern States; several circumstances have, you
know, given a decided bias to the people fn favor of the other
party, and much exertion ancl address too will be necessary
to recover the ground the Federalists have unquestionably
lost.

Do me the favor to appreciate my disappointment in not
hearing from you by the two last posts, and believe me sin-
cerely

Yours

W. R. Davie.
John Steele, Esquire,

City of Washington.

i As to election, see preceding letter.

2The Judiciary Act, creating twenty-three new Judges, with clerks
and other officers, was passed after it was ascertained that the Federalists
were defeated in the Presidential election. This legislation was naturally
regarded as an effort to perpetuate the power of the Federalists. There

46 James Sprant Historical Monograph.

Halifax, Aug-. 3rd 1S01
My dear Sir.

I received by the post on Saturday your favor of the 26th
ult., and congratulate you upon being- again "once more
under your own humble roof", which, by the by, is the most
decent chateau in the neighborhood, ornamented too with no
little taste, enoug-h I am afraid to mark you soon as an Aris-
tocrat: if I had attended the 'treaty in Tennessee, I should
unquestionably have had the pleasure of paying my respects
to you on my way; but this commission, which would have
furnished such a feast for a philosophic traveller, I was
obliged to decline.

While I was engaged in the business of my profession
my time and attention were exclusively devoted to that
business, and my own affairs altogether neglected; my prop-
erty it is true increased but it was not only unproductive but
even expensive to me; under the pressure of professional
business I had scarcely time to perceive this circumstance,
and it was an object to be felt, some unexpected accounts and
charges from my plantations now and then put me in ill
humor, but they were paid and forgotten — When I was
appointed Governor of the State, I supposed that the usual
course of office of three years would give me time enough to

was also much animosity against certain Federal Judges because of their
overbearing conduct in the prosecutions under the Alien and Sedition
laws. The first Congress under Jefferson repealed the Judiciary Act and
the "midnight judges" lost their places.

iGeneral Davie, in June 1801, was appointed head of a Commission,
the other members being General James Wilkinson and Benjamin Haw-
kins, once United States Senator, then Indian Agent, to negotiate with the
Creeks and other Indians for cessions of land. This appointment was
declined. In 1802 President Jefferson commissioned him to represent the
United States in the negotiation for a treaty between North Carolina and
the Tuscaroras for the disposal of the Indian Lands in Bertie County,
which had been ceded to them for good conduct. In pursuance of a
treaty made in 1802 the Indians then in that county removed to New York
and became a part of the "Six Nations."

Lett

bestow order and arrangement on the affairs oi my estate;

vet before any thing was affected, I was obliged t
to Europe, our mission was prolonged there far beyond my
expectations, and my, directions were nol predicted on an
absence of such length; my overseers, as is usual, were con-
tented with having an excuse, and my affairs fell back into
the same state of neglect and confusion that they were in
when I quitted my profession: my time since my return <>r
rather since the spring has been entirely devoted to this impor-
tant object, my arrangements reached of course thro' the
year, and then my personal engagements oblige me to be
stationary here till the 15th of October, excepting- a journey
to E<denton and Petersburg-, and from the 15th of October to
the last of November, I had engaged to be in Chatham and
South Carolina; so that it was impossible to attend any of the
treaties for which I was appointed a Commisssioner — as my
affairs therefore would not admit of any arrangement that
could enable me to be absent until December my acceptance
it once out of the question. This business being- then
decided by circumstances over which I had no control left my
own judgment without any responsibility; there was however
great difference of opinion among- my friends with reg-ard to
the acceptance of the appointment; my Federal friends were
generally violently opposed to my acceptance, while those who
a iv attached to the present administration discovered great
anxiety that I should accept the appointment and attend some
Of the treaties at least; it is unnecessary to trouble you with
their reasons, you will not be mistaken in their substance, but
I entreat you to give me your sincere opinion, you are sensible
of the high esteem I have for your judgment, and the man-
ner in which I appreciate your friendship. In cases of this
kind it is a matter of mere chance, whather a man forms a
correct judgment himself and therefore ought to rest
implicitly on the judgment of his best informed friends.
Von will have returned again to the seat of government
re I shall pass thro' Salisbury in October, I wish most

48 fames Sfrnnt Historical Monograph.

sincerely you could return this way, we might have an oppor-
tunity of comparing- our ideas respecting- the present and
future state of things, little can be done in the narrow range
of a letter in taking views which at onge must comprehend so
many objects.

I am sorry to hear thro' judge 'Macay that your crops were
nearly lost for want of rain, the seasons here have been
remarkably favorable and crops never more promising — no
never — . G. Britain seems to triumph every where, never has
she displayed more vigor, never was she in a condition to
make so honorable and advantageous a peace — The Judge tells
me that you informed him that our affairs are likely to be
settled here. My respects to 2Mrs. Steele and the family and
believe me very sincerely and respectfully,

Yours,

W. R. Davie.

Halifax, Dec. 27th 1801.
Dear Sir,

I have the pleasure to acknowledge your letter of the 9th
and thank you for the information it contained respecting
the business of the Legislative session. I was not sanguine
as to the passage of the bill repealing the 3Gothic law of the

lln 1790 the state was divided into two Ridings, two Judges in each.
Spruce Macay of Salisbury was added as the new Judge. Previous to
1790 there were only three Judges.

• 2Mrs. Steele was Mary Nesfield of Fayetteville. She had three
daughters; Ann, wife of General Jesse A. Pearson, Margaret, who mar-
ried Stephen L. Ferrand, M.D., and was grandmother of Hon. John
Steele Henderson, and thirdly, Eliza, wife of Colonel Robert MacNamare.

BThe Gothis law referred to was that repealing the grant of escheated
lands to the University, and also balances due for confiscated lands. This
was repealed in 1805, so far only as to escheats. The chief hope of the
institution was escheated warrants, to be located in Tennessee, and hence
General Davie's harsh word, Gothic, as expression of robbery. Public
taste seems to have changed to Vandals, as representing the fierce plun-
derers of mediaeval times.

Lti; 49

eding session, btil I considered the support it

as a proof of the condition of the public mind and the pr<>

sort of Gothic ignorance ami political fanaticism
are the fashionable order of the day; these infectious moral
evils like the fellow fever and the plague have their limits,

some invisible power has always said, "so far shalt thou go
and no farther."— They interrupt for a time the pruiM.
nature or society, after which they again resume their march,
and become pTogTessional; Every man really attached to the
liberties of his Country,* every sincere republican must sin-
cerely lament this sort of suicide consummated by the Legis-
lature, ignorance and despotism, are as certain contempora-
ries and relatives as light and Liberty.

I hope you had the pleasure to find Mrs. Eaton quite well
and that you enjoy all the pleasures of the season, you have
yet no cases to trouble you — enjoy while you may, "to enjoy
obey."

Our respects to Mrs. Eaton and believe me very sincerely
and respectfully
Yours

W. R. Davie.

M Maj. John R. Eaton,
Granville, N. C.

Halifax, Jany. 7th 1802.
My Dear Sir,

I am very much obliged to you for your letter of the 22nd
of November and the inclosure since', I am not surprised that
a mind accustomed to look forward should feel a little gloomy
on reviewing the prospect before us, the mind is no doubt

l Major John R Eaton was son of Colonel Charles R. Eaton, a militia
ottoer of the Revolution. Major Eaton was a wealthy and hospitable citi-
z-n. repeatedly a member of the General Anembly from Granville He
was a breeder <>f fine horses, one of them, Columbus, at the sale after his
death, bringing $10,000.

50 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

invariably affected by the state of things around it, "a snowy
day," an easterly wind, cannot fail to have their effect; with-
out these physical aids our political hemisphere is always
sufficiently charged with chilling- and gloomy matter to
excite the most unpleasant sensations.

You know my temperament is not of the melancholy kind,
and you will not suspect me of being hypochondrical, when
I say that we shall never see one clear day; and the highest
graduation of our happiness will be marked by the observa-
tions, that "there are flying clouds." — The last violent strug-
gle between the parties left the public Nerves in a state of
morbid irritation and it will be long before they will again
resume a firm and healthy tone.

A correspondent of mine who belongs to the corps diplo-
matique writes to me that it is positively asserted by some,
who have good means of knowing and no motives to mislead
that Lousiana has been ceded by Spain to 'France, that this
measure cannot fail to connect with it that train of policy,
and views you mention, for my own part I would have risked
a great deal to secure the Floridas, or the Eastern bank to
the mouth, 'it was not long ago an easy affair, and the irreg-
ular conduct of Spain furnished the fairest pretence for doing
ourselves justice in the modern style.

The affection of attachment to the 2nd article of the con-
vention by the 2French Government was nothing but une

iNew Orleans is on the east bank of the Mississippi. Owing to the dif-
ficulties of long hauls by land, especially over mountains, it was necessary
for the Western people to have the navigation of the Mississippi free. As
the transports on the river and its tributaries were not built of sufficient
strength to go to sea, Spain had granted for three years, continued after-
ward without special agreement, the right of deposit at New Orleans of
merchandise in transitu,. The news that France had obtained the rights
of Spain in the Louisiana Territory, coupled with the boundless ambition
of Napoleon, stirred our people very deeply. It made the purchase by the
United States very popular in most quarters.

2The Convention mentioned was that with France in 1800. France, it
appears, wished not to surrender her rights under former treaties, begin-

Letters* 51

diplomatique] all thej urged thai had the aeinblatu
argument, resolved itself simply into tliis, that it they agreed
to our Form of ratification purement et simplement thej would
absolutely and forever abandon their claim to treaties, while
ire would reserve our claim to idemnities. The seeming
force of this argument is derived from the false ground that
the claims and disputes of Nations are settled by judicial
maxims; the truth is they saw the awkward situation into
which the business was cast, and wished to make the most of
its 'retrenchment. As the latter part of that article stipu-
lated "that the treaties should cease to operate until the two
nations had agreed to those points deferred," it removed all
objections to the operation of the British treaty as to an
asylum tor privateers and prizes, and in fact contained the
ut of France to the contingent operations of those articles
then becoming- absolute; it was their part of that article
which was unpleasant to them, and it formed unquestionably
a very natural ground of objection.

Pray let me know something about the proposed financial
reforms — is everything to be reduced to the simple trash!!
Where will this business end. I will be greatly obliged to
you, when you have it in your power, such documents as may
u by the sovereign people, and which might enable me
to form some judgment whereabouts we are. — Make my best
■cts to your daughter and believe me very sincerely and
respectfully

Yours

W. R. Davie.
X B. Be assured of my discretion,

nothing you write shall ever be put into the press.
John Steele, Esquire.

ping with that of 1778, which had been the subject of dispute between
tin tuitions for years. The iu ieimiities we claimed were for spoliations
of our commerce.
The British Treaty referred to was Jay's Treaty of 1794.
lRetreuchment seems to mean suppression or curtailment.

52 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

I beg your attention to an alteration proposed by the Post-
master General in carrying- from here the western mail, it is
perhaps an inadvertence perhaps worse, I do not know Mr.
Murray's residence, pray direct the enclosed for me.

Halifax March 13th 1802.
My Dear Sir,

1 am much obliged to you for your favor of the 30th of
Jany. I had the pleasure of writing to you some time ago,
and committing to your patronage two Gentlemen whose
claims upon our Government must be acknowledged by every
impartial man, having no means of serving them myself, I
felt a pleasure in leaving in your hands the agreeable office of
relieving and rewarding suffering merit.

As to the metallic substances left by my ci-devant Col-
league in you care, I will be obliged to you to give them to
Mr. xAlston our member of Congress when he is coming home,
he will be kind enough to take charge of them, as I have the
honor to be one of his constituents, and one of the sovereign
people.

The Bill repealing the judiciary law of the last session, I
am informed, has passed, and will no doubt receive the sanc-
tion of the President; as the avowed object of this man is to
effectuate the removal of the Judges, the Constitution is no
longer considered by Congress in any other- light, than that
in which Doctor Swift represents the Holy Scriptures, when
he likens them to a loose pair of trousers, which any man
with a little tugging may draw over his backside: indeed all
Constitutions are useless, if the doctrines of Mr. 2Brecken-

iPhilip Alston, of Halifax, repeatedly member of the State Senate
and House of Commons; was a Representative in Congress, 1803-1815, and
1825-1831. Davie opposed him in 1803, without success.

2John Breckenridge, member of the Kentucky Legislature, and Sen-
ator of the United States, 1801-1805; Attorney General, 1805-1806. With
Jefierson and Nicholas he draughted the "Kentucky Resolutions" and
was the introducer of them into the legislature.

Letters.

ridge are to be supported bj the ruling party; and that cele-
brated 'instrument vaunted ;>s "the world's ln-st hope" is no
more than an <>hl woman's story. — What course will things
take? How long will the Lilliputian ties of the public debt
etc etc. hold us together?— Pray let me hear from you and
believe me with great respect, sincerely yours

W. R. Davie.
John Steele, Esquire.

Halifax, Aug-. 20th 1802.
My Dear Sir

I have to acknowledge not only the receipt of your letter of
the 21st ulto., but the pleasure it gave me also, the appoint-
ment of Mr. 2Burnett to the Consulate of Antwerp is a repa-
ration which Administrations seldom make either for their
injustice or mistakes; and I now flatter myself with a hope
that you will be able to offer something- for the 2Quondam
Major — Poor fellow Providence seems determined that he
shall have occasion for all the resources nature has furnished
him with, or that he has acquired by experience.

We have been so long in the habit of contemplating or
expecting great events, deciding the fate of nations; that it
is almost impossible to avoid feeling some ennui amidst the
present calm — a friend said to me the other day "our situa-

iThe public men in the early days of the Union were continually hav-
ing visions of the extreme sickness and even death of the Constitution.
Nathaniel Macon was firmly persuaded of its untimely demise before he
left the Senate. Such gloomy forebodings cau be found in letters of many

i»th»;r8.

Q have been unable. to discover the facts concerning "Mr. Burnett" or
quondam Major." The short description by Davie of the latter suits
many men of his period — and our own.

54 James Sfirunt Historical Monograph.

tion would be really insupportable if it was not for *Duane,
2Callender, and the 3President."

Our Government from certain constitutional causes will
never do what it ought, at the time it ought to be done; the
complaints we had against Spain were sufficient to have war-
ranted any measures that our Government might have taken to
secure to us the mouth of the Mississippi; and the Floridas
ought now to be purchased at any price.

I have long observed your reserve in writing, and supposed
there existed objections as you say beyond the mere drudgery
— I have regretted it, and did not doubt as to the motives
being prudential — I set out for 4Bethlehem with one of my
daughters about the first of October and hope either going
or returning to have the pleasure of seeing you at Washington.
The death of Mrs. 5Davie has devolved upon me the whole

iDuane (William) was editor of the Aurora in Philadelphia, a Repub-
lican paper; a man with a sharp, abusive and able pen. When the militia
'was called out to suppress the Fries riots he criticised their conduct so
severely that he was whipped by some officers. He was indicted under
the Sedition Act, but not convicted. He accused .the United States Sen-
ate of the attempt to frustrate the popular will of Pennsylvania. For this
he was brought before the bar of the Senate for a "false, defamatory,
scandalous and Malicious publication," and "a high breach of its privi-
leges." He refused to appear. His arrest was ordered, but he secreted
himself and the close of the session ended the case.

2Callender (Thomas) published a pamphlet called the "Prospect Before
Us. " Judge Samuel Chase by harsh means procured his indictment for a
seditious publication. The Judge was so domineering that the prisoner's
counsel abandoned the case. He was convicted and sentenced to nine
months' imprisonment, a fine of $200 and to give security for good behav-
ior.

3It is impossible for us at this day to realize the hatred the Federalists
had for President Jefferson, and their fear of his radicalism.

^Bethlehem, on Lehigh river in Pennsylvania, was settled by the
Moravians in 1741 It has long had a school for females of great reputa-
tion. Lehigh University was located there in 1865.

2General Davie married Sarah Jones, daughter of General Allen Jones,
niece of Willie Jones, and granddaughter of Robin Jones, Attorney-Gen-
eral prior to the Revolution. She is buried at Halifax in the village cem-

Lett 55

care of mv children; I am therefore at present confined t<>

this spot, and mv health lias been bad ever since my return
from So. Carolina in the spring.

Mv best respects to your family, and believe me very sin-
cerely and respectfully

Yours,

W. R. Davii .
General John Steele, Esquire.

Halifax, May 2, 1803.
SIR.

BEING informed that it is the wish of the Citizens of this
District, that I would offer as a Candidate at the approaching
Election for a Representative in Congress, I beg the favour
of you to inform your neighbors that I am willing to serve
them in that capacity, if they should think proper to elect
me.

I desire that it may be clearly understood, that I never
have, and that I never will, surrender my 'principles to opin-
ions of any man, or description of men, either in or out of
power; and that I wish no man to vote for me, who is not
willing to leave me free to pursue the good of my Country
according to the best of my judgment, without respect either
to party men or party views.
I am very respect full}7,

Sir,
Your most obedient servant,

W. R. Davie.

She had three daughters, Mary Hayne, who married : —

Crockett of Texas; Sarah Jones, wife of William F. DeSaussure, United
States Senator; and Martha Rebecca, who married Dr. O B. Jones of
South Carolina.

iNotw it list muling his high standing Jeffersonian Republicanism was
boo Btroug for him. There are traditions that the canvass against him
was conducted on a despicably low plane, principally against his alleged

56 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

To this a 'postscript was afterwards added

to the charge that I was attempting- a monarchical form of
Government.

Halifax June 9th 1805.
Dear Sir

I returned here from So. Carolina on the 5th and had the
pleasure to find your letter of the 16th of April and thank
you for your kind concern respecting my Health. I have
now again been two weeks on the road, and return perfectly
worn down: my constitution cannot bear that degree of suf-
fering, privation and incessant toil, which when I enjoyed
youth and health only gave me spirits and pleasure. —
Everything must yield to Time, and I have submitted with as
good a grace as possible. My Plan of life is to be completely
changed, and those measures which are to lead me to a
Repose I'have long sighed for, and which is becoming every
day more necessary for me are to commence this fall. —
This plan involves some painful sacrifices, but they are
necessary and indispensable. — A separation from friends to
whom my Heart has been tenderly attached for many years is
among the most painful of all these; I anticipate it, I feel it
as a prelude to that last separation to which the laws of our
Nature compel us to submit. About the 1st of November I
propose to set out for South Carolina with a view to reside
permanently on my Estate there; whether I shall pass
through Raleigh or go by the 2Ridge, is not yet decided. If I

aristocratic habits at his home aud elsewhere. It was charged that his
dre^s aud ways were acquired iu his receut trip abroad aud showed that
he was under "foreign influence."

1 We have not the words of this postscript.

2The road by "the ridge," went through Granville County, then along
the present route of the North Carolina Railroad. It "headed" many of
the streams and was probably a more eligible route than that through
Raleigh .

Letters. 57

take the former route I shall have the pleasure of seeing von

Once more.

I expected to be al the University at Commencement, but I am
obliged to carry mv second daughter to 'Salem about the 25th
of July, the time the Superintendent has fixed for her recep-
tion and in my situation, you will easily perceive, two jour-
nies cannot be made. The situation of the University is a
distressing one, and the more so, as it is not likely to be soon
capable of any Remedy, being- the necessary consequence of
Legislative hostility to the Institution. The friends of
science in other States reg-ard the people of North Carolina
as a sort of Semi-Barbarians, among- whom neither learning,
virtue nor men of Science possess any Estimation. The con-
duct of the Legislature for several years past has stamped
this character on the State, and it will take a long course of
time, and contrary conduct and policy to efface the impres-
sion.

In South Carolina a Professorship is more eagerly canvassed
for than a Secretaryship in the Government of the U. S., the
consequence of that liberal spirit which has been displayed
by their Assembly; after a handsome and permanent endow-
ment of the offices of the Institution, they voted $10,000., to
purchase a Library and Philosophical apparatus — What a
contrast!! Poor No. Carolina!

As to procuring a professor of lang-uages, I can only advise
that the Enquiry be kept up, and as much of this as possible
thrown on the President, who indeed is the proper person
to make the choice of inferior officers, as the whole respon-
sibility of the management of the Institution turns person-
ally upon him.

I wrote to you last about the 9th of February, I don't

*The excellent School for Females at Salem under the charge of the
Moravians was opened in 1802.

The "second daughter" was Sarah Jones, who married Hon. Wm. F.
DeSaussure, and left many descendants through her daughters, Mrs.
Boykin and Mrs. Burroughs of S. C.

58 James Spmnt Historical Monograph.

know whether you rec'dthe letter, it was intended to go with
Mr. "Craven, and missed that conveyance, and was I believe
put into the post-office. Adieu my dear friend, and be assured
you possess the warmest affections of my Heart.

Yours,

W. R. Davik.
P. S. The above letter contained 2Genl. Jones rects. for
you. Write me if you got it.
To

John Haywood, Esq.,

Raleigh.

Halifax, Sept. 22nd 1805.
My Dear Sir

I had the pleasure to receive by the last post your letter of
the 10th inst. and those of the 26th of Tune and 1st of July
in the course of conveyance, these two last I should have
answered sooner, but I wished to decide, before I wrote,
whether I should pass through Raleigh on my way to So.
Carolina as you had kindly proposed to meet me somewhere
if I did not. — My arrangements are now made to pass thro'
Raleigh about the 7th or 8th of November when I hope to
have the pleasure of seeing you.

The late unfortunate occurrence at the University is much
to be lamented on many accounts, and most of all for the ill-
advised measure of the Ordinance which gave birth to the

i John Craven, of Halifax, was State Comptroller, 1783-1808.

2Allen Jones and Willie Jones were brothers. Allen was a militia
General in the Revolution. He was Davie's father-in-law. Willie held
high position in the State and Confederation. His public views were
those of Jefferson.

3This ordinance, which forced a majority of the best students to leave
the institution, required the Faculty to appoint a Monitor from each class,
who should take an oath before a judicial officer to report every infraction

Letters. B9

conduct adopted i>v the students. You will remember, no
doubt, that an ordinance of this kind was rejected several
years ago on a full consideration by the Board, on the

ground that the principle was improper. These Monitors

under the ordinance are not a species of Magistrates, but
real spies, and human nature revolts from the principle of
Espionage in every shape: the corruption and depravity of
London, Paris, and other large cities renders its adoption
necessary by the police, but the most degraded wretch in
these sinks of Depravity could not be induced to accept it as
a public office, and always stipulates for the most part pro-
found secrecy with regard to his employment. I do not
believe that the duty of Monitors* or Censors has ever been
carried further in any literary Institution, than to note the
absences from prescribed duties such as attendance on recita-
tions prayers Church etc.

With regard to my advice as to this unhappy occurrence
itself, I should have advised that the ordinance should have
been suspended as to its operation till the annual meeting of
the Board, when it will probably be repealed altogether. And
with regard to the students whose conduct in this instance
forms a most dangerous precedent; I think, with proper
deference to the late act of the Trustees, that discrimina-
tions with regard to readmission, should have been adopted
on some principle, such as the degree of guilt, or the age,
or the standing of the student.

I have reflected much and seriously since this event on the
causes of this spirit of insubordination and the means of pre-
venting it. — It has always existed in a considerable degree,
the ordinance may be considered as only an accidental cause,
I think the real causes may be found in the defects of domes-
tie education in the So. States, the weakness of parental
authority, the spirit of the Times, the arrangement as to

of the by-laws and species of misconduct among the students. The Trus-
tees, when this ordinance was resisted, modified it by substituting a
pledge of honor for the oath, but the students refused to accept the change,

60 James Sfimnt Historical Monograph.

vacation, and some errors of the Board which I will notice
hereafter.

Every man of discernment who has. lived 40 or 50 years
must have observed and lamented the general decay of paren-
tal authority, and the consequent presumption and loose man-
ners of young- men, Boys of 16 or 17 years, without judg-
ment, without experience or almost any knowledge of any
kind arrogantly affect to judge for themselves, their teachers
and their parents in matters of morality, of Government, of
Education, in fact in every thing. The effect of the other
general cause is visible throughout the whole of their remon-
strance.— Nothing can be more ridiculous thart Boys at school
talking of "sacred regard to their rights," "the high and
imposing duty of resistance," and of "denouncing laws",
etc. etc., the general Slang of the times culled from the col-
umns of Newspapers, yet these very words are attended with
the most mischievous consequences. Over all these causes
however the Board of Trustees have no power or influence,
but they must be considered to be counteracted as far as pos-
sible.

I have understood and observed ever since the establish-
ment of the University that the disturbances have generally
manifested themselves about this period of the second ses-
sion, and that when a general resistance to authority did not
take place, a spirit of Insubordination always showed itself
more or less at this season. This I attribute to the great
length of time the students have been confined at Colledge;
they become tired and disgusted with study, their minds gen-
erally acquire a sour gloomy and restive temperament, pro-
ducing a general predisposition to any measure that may
break up the session, or interrupt business and distress the
Faculty. Two or three fellows more daring and unprinci-
pled than the rest seise on this Disposition, and artfully turn
it into the channel of a general revolt against all authority:
To Remedy this Evil I would earnestly recommend that an
ordinance should be passed at the next annual meeting estab-

Let: 61

lishing the vacations exactly on the same footing as thej are
.it Princeton whatever they may be, and Mr. Caldwell can
give the necessary information, they are the result of Exper-
ience- and have been found to answer the purpose, if you

approve of this I would advise that President Caldwell should

be requested to prepare so much of the ordinance as may relate

to any alterations in the division of the courses of studi-
Examinations, etc.

The difficulty we have continually experienced in the man-
agement of youth at this Institution has often obliged me to
reflect on the means we have used, and the nature of the
Government of such Institutions . I am now fully con-
vinced the best governed Colleges are those which have the
most respectable Faculties, and the fewest written 'laws, and
that we have committed a serious error in making ,an ordi-
nance for every thing, or in other words legislating too much.

It is now my opinion, that after describing the kind of

punishment to be used in the Establishment, and reserving
in all cases the punishment of Expulsion to be confirmed by
the Board, all the rest should be left to the discretion of the
Faculty. It may perhaps require some reflection ' to see the
justice of this remark, and I will only add, that the principles
of the parental Government are the true model for that of
literary Institutions for youth of all kinds from the University
down to the common school. The parental Government has
no written laws, and I would observe, that no mortal man

could govern his family if he adopted that mode If he

did, his whole household would become, like these students,-

^General Davie's advice to trust little to bylaws, and leave the discip-
line to the Faculty was far ahead of his time. We now practically go still
further. The regulation of the couduct of students is left to the Presi-
dt nt and Dean, with power to consult an Executive Committee, or the
Faculty when they deem best.

This letter has a pathetic interest as being the last word spoken by Gen-
eral Davie — the legacy of his experience and good- will. His labors were
greatly appreciated and the title, "Father of the University," given by
the Board, was in recognition of them.

62 James Spr tint Historical Monograph.

lawyers and legislators, discussing- his ordinances, chattering
about "their rig-hts", "despotism'1, "duty of resistance", etc.
etc. They would form themselves into revolutionary commit-
tees, and be always deliberating, remonstrating-, and
revolting-.

I have been led to doubt whether our practice of publishing
in the news-papers annually the distinctions made at examin-
ations may not be attended with consequences which if not
the immediate causes, operate at least powerfully with other
remote causes to produce many difficulties we have exper-
ienced. The objects of this measure were to excite emulation
among the students, gratify the parents and attract public
attention to the Institution, but I apprehend that it has also
had the effect of filling the young- men with presumption, and
a vain imaginary consequence, which had an ill effect upon
their own conduct afterwards, and g-ave them a pernicious
influence among their fellow students; and then the mischief
it produces greatly overbalances any good to be expected
from it: and perhaps it would be better to adopt hereafter
the practice of other Colleges who notice in the papers the
commencement honors only: and other reasons of considerable
weight might be given for this measure. That it is danger-
ous to depart from the paths of Experience is a Truth I am
more and more convinced of every day I live.

I was sorry to see a long piece in the

(Unable to make out rest of letter)

To John Haywood, Esquire,

Raleigh, No. Carolina.

P. S.

It will be much time before I can sell the land of Mr.
Jones. I went to see General Jones after receipt of your letter
but he was too sick to discuss it. I will write to you in a
few days.

Letters*

Lands-Ford, near Lancaster Ct. Hou

Janv. 22nd L806.

Dear Sir

Since Colonel 'Moore departed from here on Sunday last I
haw found another file of the papers relative to the subject
of the boundary, they consist principally of* the representa-
tions of the Assembly to Governor Martin relative to the
Extension of the line under the order of June 1771; and alth<y
the dissatisfaction shown by these documents on the part of
No. Carolina might not now vary the legal merits of the case
yet I regret very much that I had not laid my hands upon
them before Col. Moore set out.

I wish you may be fortunate enough to terminate this
affair to the satisfaction of both States, and beg you to
present my respects to the other Commissioners, and accept
of the asurances of the esteem and regards
of your most ob. &

W. R. Davie
General John Steele,

Charlotte, N. C.

Landsford Nov. 25th, '07.
Dear Sir,

Mr. Caldwell informs me that you propose going to Colum-
bia on his return to Salisbury; I should be extremely happy
to see you at my 3House, and it is as direct a route as you can

lOol. Moore was probably Roger Moore, who was in the House of Com-
mons from New Hanover in 1806. He was a scion of the family descended
from Governor Yeamans, Governor James Moore, Oolonel Maurice Moore,
Judge Maurice Moore, and Judge Alfred Moore

2The Commissioners on the part of North Carolina were General Steele,
Mont ford Stokes and Robert Burton. Stokes became Senator of the
United States and Governor of the State. Burton had been a member of
the Congress of the Confederation. The scientific expert was President
Joseph Caldwell of the University.

iGeneral Davie's country place was called Trivoli.

64 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

take. I shall flatter myself with the expectation of seeing
you, the direct way is to cross at the old nation ford.

Make my best respects to your family and believe me with
great respect,

Yours,

W. R. Davie.
General Steele,

Salisbury, N. C.

Lands-ford Jany. 4th, 1810.
Dear Sir,

I have the pleasure to acknowledge your letter of the 26th
Novm., the anxious hope I entertained that some lig-ht would
be thrown upon the gloomy circumstances to which it refers
by the communications to Congress or their discussions
induced me to defer answering- it. I was too remote from
Head-quarters to possess a sufficient knowledge of the partic-
ular views and opinions of the men who now hold the destiny
of our Country in their Hands, and the whims and prejudices
of politicians so often influence their public conduct and are
so generally the real springs which actuate them that it is
extremely difficult, as you know, to form any judgment of the
course and direction they may give to public affairs, which
are eternally more or less mingled with their private views.

The late discourse of the views of the 'British Cabinet and
the foolish conduct of Jackson has again aroused the war
party into activity; whether they will be successfully opposed
by the torpor, into which the national feeling seems to have
sunk, the determination imputed to the President, and the

efforts of the remaining friends of Peace, I know not

War speeches have now in a great m easure lost their
effect, they are like "a tale that has been told"; the
People are smarting under the effects of the embargo and non-

iSee note to letter of Feby' 10, 1812.

Letters, 65

intercourse policy, and dread War as still a worse evil, they
must always feel before they will begin to think: and most
of us have had our pecuniary sensibilities considerably
excited,

As to the two Great Belligerent Powers, I see no hope of
any radical or material change of policy to be expected from
either of them with regard to the U. States. On ;m entire
change o( the B. Ministry some modification of their orders
might be expected, but their principle will be maintained,
and I think the Emperor will adhere to his "Text" till he
can find a more successful mode of carrying on the War
against Congress.

My hope rests upon the President, I sincerely believe he is
a man of great virtue, we all know he has sense and the
experience of many years in public life, and they now say he
has more promptitude and decision than any man who ever
filled the Presidential Chair; May God grant that this may

be true; Our affairs may yet do well and this pause operate

no injury.

Enclosed I forward to you the proceedings of our Legis-
lature with regard to the boundary Tell me what you will

do .

Write to me 1 am sorry we are so far from each other

and believe me with great regard and esteem

Your friend

W. R, Davik.
General John Steele

Salisbury. N. C.

Landsfokd, Catawba.

Jany. 10th 1812.
Dear Sir,

I have the pleasure to acknowledge )rour letter of the 25th
Of November, and beg you to present my thanks to the

bo James Sprimt Historical Monograph.

President, Faculty and Trustees of the University of North
Carolina for this mark of their polite attention, and to assure
them of the hi gh sense I entertain of the honor they have
been pleased to confer upon me, with my warmest wishes for
the success of the institution.

I pray you Sir, also to accept my thanks for the polite man-
ner in which you have been pleased to communicate this act
of the Board.

I am very respectfully
Sir

Your Most Obt.,

JW. R. Davik.
2Robt. Williams, Esq.,

Secretary of the Board of Trustees,
University of North Carolina.

Catawba near Lancaster Ct. House, Aug\ 15, '08.

My Dear Sir,

I had the pleasure to receive by the last post yours of the
8th and congratulate you on your narrow and providential
escape from such imminent dang-er, I know no situation in
which a man may more easily lose a limb or his life than that
in which you was exposed.

I regret exceedingly the arrang-ement which prevented
your spending a day with me, during- which I had promised
myself the pleasure of comparing our views of the various

iThe letter of Davie is in acknowledgement of the degree of Doctor of
Laws (LL.D. ) granted in 1812. He was the first on whom this degree
was conferred The like degree was conferred on Ashbel Green, D.D. in
1812. and next honored was in 1825, Nathaniel Macon — only three Doctor-
ates of Laws in the first thirty years of the existence of the University.

^General Robert Williams was Secretary and Treasurer of the Univers-
ity from 1809 to 1821. He was brother of Congressman Lewis Williams,
"Father of the House" of Representatives of the United States. He was
Adjutant General of this State.

Letters. <>7

aspects of the political horizon; never in my opinion was the
situation of the country more critical, or our prospects more
pregnant with danger: 'Negotiation leads every where into
difficulties! war points to incalculable evils, and the Embargo,

as terrapin-hostilities, to the depression of the public mind
and the gradual but certain ruin of our financial resouro

What have we to hope from a feeble and timid administra-
tion? Providence has stamped a kind of awful character on
the events of the present times, which seems to have appalled
the firmest minds, and chained the energies of the nations;
neither the government nor the people of Europe appear to
have had any adequate ideas of the terrible destiny which
awaited them, until their fate was irrevocably fixed: in this
fatality, if there is such a thing, it is eminently conspicuous
in the conduct and destruction of 'Prussia and 3Spain: but
without resorting to the nrysterious workings of a chastising
Providence to explain the errors and misfortunes of men; may
not the calamities of these kingdoms be fairly attributed to
the imbecility and ignorance of their princes, and the timidi-
ty and corruption of their ministers; observe the devious tem-
porising policy of Prussia since '95, and the abject slavish con-
descension of Spain — . Prussia never thought of assistance
till it was useless, when it resembled the instinctive efforts of
despair, and the government of Spain had submitted, till it
knew not how to resist. — Now compare the policy of the
United States since 1800 with the course pursued by these

l General Davie's comparison of the United States making war on Eng
land and France by shutting up her ports and cutting off intercourse, to a
terrapin, is obvious to one who has witnessed that interesting animal
withdrawing head, feet and tail within its shell

2By the Peace of Tilsit in 1807 Prussia's territory was reduced from
81), 120 to 4(>,o:32 square miles and she was made to pay an indemnity of
$28,000,000. Until payment was made she had to support 150,000 French
troops

•III May, 1 80S, Napoleon forced the King and heir of the Spanish mon-
archy to cede their rights to Joseph, his brother. He sent a great army
into the country.

68 James Sfirnnt Historical Monograph.

unfortunate Monarchies, mark their character and analogies
look at our interior arrangements, examine the course of our
negotiations, and the state of our foreign relations, and ob-
serve the presiding spirit of our government, and tell me
frankly if we are not directed in the same perilous track, by
the same means, to the same dreadful destiny. Has not 'war
with France been a probable event for some time past, is it
not now inevitable, has it not been the policy of our govern-
ment to lull us to sleep with regard to the designs of this
formidable Power, is it wise to wait with folded arms to see
what good or rather ^z^Vtime may bring forth, or has not the
crisis arrived which demands decision, and when the worst
part we could take would be that of not taking any? — I have
fallen insensibly into the train of reflection upon which I
wished we should have occupied the day you promised me.

As to the Presidency Madison will certainly be elected, and
he is the best choice that could be made among the present
"candidates. — Mr. Jefferson will assuredly leave our affairs
involved in the utmost confusion and difficulty: it is therefore
of great importance, that the President should be the person
whose measures would recieve the most general support. No
effort will be made in this State to counteract the Congress-
ional nomination, nor I think in Georgia. As to the V. P.
(Vice President) the 3Demo'cts are not satisfied with Gov.
Clinton, if they knew how they might decently, or rather
safely shake him off; there will be some intriguing on the
meeting of Congress; but Madison's friends are committed

lln a private letter Jeffsrson said, "England seems to have become a
den of pirates and France a den of thieves "

2 When the electoral votes were counted Madison received J 22, George
Clinton 6, and O. O Pinckney 47. George Clinton for Vice President had
113, Rufns King 47, and 15 were scattering.

3By Democrats Davie means Republicans. The original name of the
party was Democratic- Republican. When the Democrats of France went
into the Reign of Terror and became odious, for policy's sake the name
Republican was adopted by Jefferson and other leaders.

Lei;

and they will risk nothing'. I think 'Mr. K in any event

stands no chance; the P , witli everything that is virtuous

and valuable have sunk below the political horizon.

I am happy that you. haw settled the disputes about the

Boundray, the Convention is not to be published till the Legis-
lature meets, when I will write you how it is received. We
have been extremely dry since I saw you, and crops are greatly
injured, the CO t ton especially has suffered. Write to me, and
may God take care of you, these evil times, and believe me

sincerely yours,

W. R. Davie.

General John Steele,

Salisebury.

Lands-ford, Catawba.

Feby. 10th 1812.
Dear Sir,

1 had the pleasure to receive your letter from Raleigh, and
begin to believe with you that we shall be plunged in war,
the discussions with the ^British minister, the message of the

l"Mr. K " is probably Rufus King. The "P" is probably Charles
Ootesworth Pinckney.

2 Pinckney and his brother, Thomas Pinckney, and their cousin,
Charles Pinckney — all "virtuous and valuable."

3Acts were passed and Commissioners appointed to run the dividing
line between North Caroliua on one part and South Carolina and Georgia
on the other in 1803, again ill 1804, 1806, 1808, 1813, 1814, and as to South
Carolina, settled in 1815. As to Georgia the final settlement was in 1*19

^David Montague Erskiue, British Minister, more friendly to the Uni-
ted States, perhaps, because his wife was an American, had promised the
President that his country would repeal the "Orders in Council" which
bore so heavily on our commerce, if the United States would suspend as
to England the Non -intercourse act. The offer was accepted and there
was great rejoicing. Erskine's action was disavowed by the British Min-
istry and Charles James Jackson was sent in his stead. The Orders in
Council were renewed and Jackson contradicted the Secretary of State so
rudely and pointedly that Congress requested by resolution the President
to recognize him no longer. He is the minister alluded to in this letter.

70 James Sprunl Historical Monograph.

President and the report of the Committee of Foreign rela-
tions, have placed the Government in a situation from which
it cannot retreat, without absolute disgrace; they are exactly
in the condition of Macbeth, there is more personal danger

in going- back than marching on 1 mean to their popularity.

If we can steer clear of an alliance with France, upon the
whole, perhaps it will be better, two or three rattling rights,
30 or 40,000 thousand men killed, and a debt of as many mil-
lion will bring us all to our senses You will remember

some years ago giving me your serious opinion that we must
touch the extreme point of public wretchedness before the
people could be set right.

There was really no difference of opinion on the subject you
mention, you extend your views further as to our administra-
tion than I did, because youknow them personally and perfectly,

and I know nothing about them 1 still consider the British

orders a part of their system of 'blockade, no more than the
extension of the same principle, the mode only was suggested
by 2Bonaparte, whose Genius is a little bolder than that of the
British Ministry.

We poor planters are much "bothered" here to know what
to do, we depend entirely on foreign commerce and are now
perfectly at a loss. What are you going to plant this year,
what can we best do Present my best respects to the fam-

iThe blockades of the Napoleonic wars would be considered illegal
now. France and Great Britain both declared the coasts of each other in
a state of blockade, and neutral vessels, bound for their respective ports,
were liable to capture. This action worked peculiar hardships on the
United States, large numbers of whose vessels were seized and condemned
with their cargoes. At the present time a blockade is not lawful unless a
sufficient force is stationed at the blockaded port to capture under ordi-
nary circumstances vessels seeking to enter.

2Napoleon in 1806 by the Berlin Decree prohibited trade with Graet
Britain. The next year by Order in Council, (the Privy Council), Great
Britain prohibited direct trade with any country under the control of
France.

Letters. 71

iiv and lei me hear from you, and believe me with the warm-
est attachment and respects yours, etc,

\V. k\ Davik.
\\Y haw now a post-office at tliis place; and I seldom send to

Lancaster.
To General John Steele.

Lands-ford, Nov. 2(ith '14.
My dear Sir,

I have had the intention of writing- to you for two or three
weelo past on the subject of the communications from our
Commissioners at 'Ghent, but the alarming- proceeding-s at
home, the movements in the New England States, and the
monstrous strides towards despotism made by the party in
power have absolutely so stunned and astonished me that I
know not what to say or write. After the best reflections I
could make on the views and measures of our Eastern brethren
I came to the conclusion, that weary of the tyranny of the
Virginia Administrations, seeing" no possibility of chang-e, and
disgusted with a g-overnment in which they had no practical
share, and of course no influence, they had been wrought up
to the determination to secede from the Union. And 1 now
think that the immense army to be raised, the heavy taxes
proposed, the vast and proflig-ate expenditure of public money,
followed up by the conscriptions will confirm any resolutions

iThe Commissioners of Peace at Ghent were: Henry Clay, of Kentucky,
Johu Qnincy Adams, of Massachusetts, Albert Gallatin, of Pennsylvania,
James A. Bayard, of Delaware, and Jonathan Russell, of Massachusetts.

2The blockading of all our coasts, but New England, by Great Britain,
the mysterious secrecy of the Hartford Convention, the refusal of the
• ■mors of Massachusetts aud Connecticut to allow their militia to go
: i. their states, together with the general hostility to the war in New
England, gave the impression that Secession was to be attempted. Then
too the feeling against the Federalists was intensified by the story that
tie v burned blue lights at night as signals to the British vessels.

72 James Sprunt Historical Monograph.

of this kind that they may have taken. It really appears to
me that the present confederacy will not last two years more
and that Mr. Madison will finish his career amidst the ruins
of his Country. Perhaps these views of the subject may have
preyed too much upon my mind, and by that process have as-
sumed an aspect more gloomy than it should be, I should be
happy however to have your opinion.

As to the 'Conscription proposed I feel no hesitation in pro-
nouncing- it unconstitutional, and that such a power in the
General Government must soon crush the State sovereignties
to atoms, and annihilate the Liberties of the people: and I
am certain, I hazard nothing in saying that had the constitu-
tion contained a plain clause conferring such a power on the
General Government, that it would not have been adopted by
a single state in the Union.

The vassals of Virginia may perhaps quietly submit their
necks to the yoke, but it will certainly be resisted in every
other part of the U. States.

Let me know what you think of these things and believe me
with respect and regard yours

W. R. Davik.

Land-ford Octo. 15th 1812.
Dear Sir,

I suppose that the melancholy issue of the invasion of upper
Canada, and the prospects of a disastrous war, connected with
the pressure of private difficulties must have commenced a
change of opinion among many of the democratic party in No.
Carolina, the people must feel before they will think or reflect,
or endeavor to trace public calamnities to their real causes,

iThere was no Conscription Act passed, though a draft from the militia
was proposed. The forcing of citizens into the army was done by both the
Union and Confederate Congresses during the Civil War and the question
of constitutionality is settled.

Lett 73

but under circumstances Like the present, whtu a change
does commence its progress will be rapid and its effects
decisive: whether the short period between this time and the
Presidential election will be sufficient to enable the friends
o! peace and commerce in No. Cara. to avail themselves of its
full effect I know not; much however will depend on exertion,
and the dissemination of information; you have long* known
iiiv Opinion, that nothing is done while Virginia maintains
her present ascendency in the confederacy, and that our
political liberties and our prosperity depend upon our raising
up a competent rival to her ambitious pretensions.

The present moment is in many respects highly favorable,
and I sincerely hope you will give your aid to organize the
means of effecting this great object, which in my opinion

would insure us peace, commerce and prosperity The war

however to be lamented was the only cure for our domestic
evils; if they levy money sufficient to carry it on with vigor
to ensure even partial success, the taxes will do the business,
if they permit the war to languish for want of means, disas-
ter and disgrace must be the consequence and an accumulated
debt without any equivalent, the people will be disgusted
and general dissatisfaction will ensue; any way the party in
power must be ruined: but it would shorten the period of our
sufferings if 'Clinton could now be elected, in that case I have
no doubt, Peace would immediately take place, the Union be
preserved, and the towering pretensions of Virginia be
repressed perhaps forever; pray write me what are your pros-

1 During the War of 1812 the Americans lost Detroit and Chicago and
failed in an invasion of Canada by way of Niagara. Davie was not, how-
ever, a true prophet. Madison was reelected by a vote of 131 over 89 for
De Witt Clinton and Eldridge Gerry obtained the Vice Presidency by 128
• for Jared Ingersoll. If the Republicans made mistakes the Feder-
alists made greater. The people were |>ersuad« d that they mourned over
our victories and rejoiced over our defeats, and that they contributed to
those defeat! by factious opposition to the Government,

74 James Sfiritnt Historical Monograph.

pects, and what are the views of the Federalists in No. Caro-
lina, and believe me with great respect

sincerely yours

W. R. Davie.
We have a post-office at this place direct to
Land-fords, Catawba, via Camden.

Lands-ford, Feby. 4th 1814.
My Dear Sir,

I am anxious to hear your opinion of the prospect before us,
and whether you think the 'Administration are seriously
desirous of peace, and have made up their minds to adopt the
basis proposed by the British Government in their late over-
ture: the late addition to the Mission augurs illy I think of
its result; day is a clamourous advocate for the continuance
of the war and the conquest of the Canadas. Russell is a
time-serving" wretch, added in my opinion to afreet the secret
views of the Cabinet, by dividing- the vote of the Commision,
whenever it may be necessary for that purpose; thus it is true
he may neutralize the violence and policy of Clay, if the
Cabinet are really determined upon peace, but a mission
thus constituted will move awkwardly and always with
embarrassment, there will be no affinity of principle or accord-
ance of views, and of course no mutual confidence.

The terrible military and political reverses which Bona-
parte has experienced during the last year, cannot fail to
have a salutary influence upon our Cabinet, and their tone
in negotiating- will rise or fall with the prospect of his for-
tunes.

I have been greatly surprised that no motion has been made
by the minority in Congress to promote an enquiry into the
abuses of expenditure in the army departments, they have cer-

1 Notwithstanding Davie's fears the Treaty of Peace was sigue.l Decem-
ber 24th. 1814

Lett 75

tainiv been enormous, and such an enquiry ,s necessary to
prevent their continuance, and would hare the effect of attract-
ing the attention, and opening the eyes of the people — I
wish yon would write to "Pearson or some of your friends on

this head This is the moment for every beneficial pur-

- ~.
A peace at this time would save the party from ruin-It Mr.
Madison views it in this light, Peace we shall certainly have,
so infatuated are the people it is astonishing how little popu-
larity they have lost, by all their 2mismanag-ement and blund-
ers.

Let me hear from you soon, and believe me with great
ect and regard

Yours

W. R. Davie.
Address to this place via Camden.

To General John Steele,

Salisbury.
P. S.

We have heard much of some 3salt-works somewhere in
Rowan County, the accounts are extremely contradictory, and
as it is now a very interesting thing, I would be much obliged
t«» you to give me an account of them, their progress and
prospects, we are told they already sell salt at two dollars and
are able to make immense quanities every day.

'Joseph Pearson was a lawyer at Salisbury; Representative in Congress
1800-1815; fought a duel while a member with J. O. Jackson; was nncle of
Chief Justice R. M. Pearson.

-That the Republican Party came out of the war, retaining its hold on
tin- favor of the people, seems strange. It was paved by the naval vic-
tories, by that of New Orleans, and other engagements of a minor nature,
and especially by the glaring bluuders of Federalists leaders. Instead of
holding up the hands of the administration they indulged in sharp denun-
ciations and perpetual fault-finding. By many, probabiy the majority of
Republicans, they were belirred to be aiding the enemy.

v John S. Henderson, of Salisbury, writes me that he has been un-
i anything ab mt these alleged salt works.

James Sprunt Historical Monograph /

PUBLISHED UNDER Tin- DIRECTION

THE north CAROLINA HISTORICAL socn;
i c. db RoutHAC Hamilton, Editor

NO. 8

The Provincial Council and Committees of Safety
in North Carolina

BESSIE LEWIS WHITAKER, A. M.

CHAPEL HILL

TUB UNIVERSITY PBESS

1908

THE UNIVERSITY PRESS
CHAPEL HILL

/T,

PR]

The following study was undertaken by the author at the
suggestion of the department of History as a thesis for the
Master of Arts. The subject, important as were
the organizations whose activities are herein so fully described,
lias not hitherto received a full and proper treatment, and it
is hoped that this monograph will assist in showing how
great a responsibility rested upon the committees of safety
and also how well that responsibility was assumed

The main source relied on in the preparation of the study
was the Colonial Records of North Carolina. Reference to
them is so frequent that it has seemed only necessary to refer
to them by the numeral indicating the volume. The work of
Dr. E. W. Sikes, entitled North Carolina — Colony to Com-
monwealth, has also been largely used.

The author wishes to express her grateful appreciation of
assistance rendered her in the preparation of this paper. The
editor also wishes to express his grateful acknowledgements
to his colleague, Dr. Louis R. Wilson, for assistance in the
reading of the proof.

The foul streams of sedition which through the ch annels of com-
mittees have overflowed this once happy land threaten it with every
species of misery, ruin and destruction.— Governor Martin.

mi: PROVINCIAL COUNCIL AND THE COMMIT-
TEES OP SAFETY IN NORTH CAROLINA

Introductory. The significance of the system as a type of
government.

II.

Description of the system in organization and administrative
range from the time of its full formation to its close,
including- two stages:

1. Provincial Council, District Committee, Local
Committee.

2. Council of Safety and Local Committees.

III.

The system as a part of a larger one embracing the founda-
tion plan of Congress centre with the final reversion to
the Congress as a Constitutional Convention.

1. Discussion — larger system as a whole.

2. Outline of steps or landmarks in the development
of the larger system.

IV.
unctions of tiie Government.

1. Provincial Council in its various features of
activity.

2. Council of Safety in its various features of activity.

vi. Contents

3. Work of County Committees.

a. In connection with functions of District Com-
mittees.

b. In connection with town Committees.

c. Inter-relations County Committees.

d. Influence traced throug-h the proceeding's of
the Committees of separate counties.

Summary and Conclusion.

1. Growth, rise and decline of system.

2. Value of the g-overnment:

a. To the Colony.

b. To the State.

THE PROVINCIAL COUNCIL AND THE COMMITTEES
OF SAFETY IN NORTH CAROLINA

k:208 From September (), 1775, until November 12,

N:',1:; 1776, a system of government existed in North
Carolina which is worthy of investigation for its
Unique combination of democratic spirit and oligarchical
methods — a tyrannical administration by patriots seeking in-
dividual and national liberty.

This plan of government was by no means new to the Col-
ony. The movement which produced it, like other move-
ments of history, was of gradual growth. The first interest
for us is a view of the system as a whole, through its related
divisions and as regards its range of jurisdiction and its
special functions. Then some conception of the probable
origin of the various parts of the governmental machinery is
necessary for any firm footing in confidence and appreciation.
This established, we proceed to watch the growth and de-
velopment of the system and recognize in so doing the field of
its operation, the force and mission of its organization, the
necessity for its influence and the time for its destruction. It
vanished so soon as the purpose of its being was accom-
plished and the way had been prepared for a new govern-
ment with regular, well defined and evenly distributed func-
tions.

The government in North Carolina during the period indi-
cated— September 9, 1775, to November 12, 1776 — was that
of the Provincial Council and the Committees of Safety.
The Provincial Council was the central governing body of
the province, but it existed only during the recess
r:210 of the Congress, and all of its proceedings were
subject to the inspection and approval of the

2 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

Congress. It thus filled the place of the Congress when that
body was not in session. Having power to call the higher
body into operation at any time, it by so doing
x: 212 from time to time put an end to its own activity,
which was not resumed until the end of that ses-
sion of the Congress.

Reg-ularly the Council met quarterly but it
x: 210 mig-ht convene as often as deemed expedient, and
in the same way adjourn at discretion. It was
made up of thirteen members, two from each of
x:20S the six districts into which the province was
divided, and one appointed by the Congress for
the State at large.
x:208 As a force supplementary to the Provincial

Council, there was provision for six district
committees, viz., Wilmington, New Bern, Edenton, Halifax,
Hillsboro and Salisbury. Of these only the first two men-
tioned seem to have been at all active. District
x : 245 Committees were supposed to sit quarterly at the
principal towns within their respective districts
and as often at other times as they mig-ht judge expedient.
Each of these committees was made up of a president and
twelve other members, elected in Congress by members of the
respective districts. These six committees were designed to
aid in the execution of acts of Council (and Congress), to
take the initiative in allotted jurisdiction and to exercise
supervising influence over the County and Town Committees.
The "plan for the internal peace, order and safety of the
province" included a committee for each County of the Prov-
ince and for every town "having- a right of rep-
x: 212 resentation in Congress". In reality by no means
all the counties seem to have had committees ; in
like manner the records show separate town committees in few
cases. These seem usually operative only when identified
with the Committee for the County. The activity of these
local committees in a number of cases was tremendous. This
will be treated as a special topic in the investigation of com-
mittee functions.

incial ( Council and Commit* Safety

212 a The membership of the county and town com-

mittee was regulated as follow
1. Bach County Committee was to i><> made up <>t" not le^s
ban twenty-one persons, elected by the free holders of the

County.
x :_•!•_• 2. In the towns of Edenton, New Bern and

Wilmington, the Committee was to consist of
ifteen persons elected by the freeholders of the town.
3. Every other town having- a right of representation
light have a Committee of seven members, elected in the
same manner.

Town Committees might act in conjunction or
be consolidated with the committees of counties
in which they were situated. This latter plan must have
)a'ii followed to a great extent, -as will be indicated in the
the analysis of the work of the various committees. The time
stipulated for the meeting's of town and county committees
'as the first day of their respective courts and as much
oftener as they might think necessary. In some
l.; instances, during- the troublous period, the meet-
ing's were so constant as to appear almost like
mo continuous session, as will be seen in the comparative
view of different sections,
x: 164 The system of g-overnment, as to this point

outlined, was instituted by the Third Provincial
mgress which met at Hillsboro, August 20, 1775. This
Ijstem, marked out as has been said, on September 9, 1775,
inderwent one great metamorphosis which nevertheless left
its essential element intact until the meeting- of the Consti-
:utional Convention in November, 177(>.

The province, having- reached the position deemed at first
impossible, could no longer tolerate the term "Provincial",
Lplying allegiance to England. The Provincial Council
gave place to the Council of Safety* That this
was in any way due to partisan politics, as has
been claimed, seems hardly probable. The
change moreover was more than one of name and
it was apparently regulated by local conditions.

l>. -

- kes'
Sorth

ina"

4 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

The first plan of government, as outlined in September,
1775, was one of higher central government with wide circles
of jurisdiction to insure general efficiency by attention to
local needs and interests.

TOWN

The system in its changed state is simpler and has taken
on the centralized form which suggests the determination to
guide or to force all parts of the province into uniformity of
action. The District Committees, which had proved almost
useless, disappeared by legal enactment. The local cbmr
mittees of county or town, ever vigilant in purpose and strong
in action, began to subside in activity as their functions were
confidently entrusted to a central body, an embodiment of the
spirit of all the counties.

The change was this: The central body was made strong-
er and changed in name. District Committees disappeared.
The circle of county committees was less clear as their num-
ber and function were left undefined.

'/ Council and CommJti Safety

►y._9<?ilW/7>,

.or-

ie.

*>.

0*"5S5HS*M*

The Council of Safety, superseding- the Provincial Council,
was not restricted to meetings every few months. It was in
session continuously and the Provincial Congress seemed to
await its call to come into existence. It had no fixed place
of meeting- and was ubiquitous in influence. It did not de-
pend for transmission of its will upon an intervening set of
district committees, but dealt directly with situations that
came under its cog-nizance; at times, seeming scarcely to re-
quire even the assistance of the local committees. These, in
readiness to execute orders when called upon, no longer
assumed the initiative; any advance on their part was appar-
ently in isolated instances for purposes of neighborhood
adjustment, as will be shown in the discussion of county
activities.

The change in the governmental system was, in effect, the
disappearance of a disused organ and the increased range of
function for the part of the organism still vital, the exact
nature of activity being dependent upon the pressure of en-
vironment. In general conception and in essence the new
government was a part of the old system. The Council of
Safety was a developed form of the Provincial Council, and
with it the old system simply reached a new stage.

579

580

5S1

579

6 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

The political change was effected as follows:
x : 579 On May 1 1, 1776, the Fourth Provincial Congress
at Halifax — the same body which, abandoning
as fruitless the "desire to be reconciled to the mother country
on constitutional principles", empowered the State delegates
in the Continental Congress to concur with the
x:512 delegates of the other colonies in declaring inde-

pendence— this same Congresss abolished the
Provincial Council and the six District Com-
mittees of Safety and transferred the power of
both to a Council of Safety, to sit continuously
and at any places convenient to said body. This
body was made up of thirteen members, one from
the State at large and two from each each dis-
trict, elected in Congress. Persons holding
military office, etc., were disqualified thereby
for membership in the Council. The nature of the power
and work of the Council has a place in the more specific
analysis of governmental functions.
x:682 On July 22, 1776, at Halifax, the Council of

Safety received the news of the Declaration of
x:696 Independence. The minutes of August 9, 1776,
contain the recommendation to the "now inde-
pendent State of North Carolina" to pay "special attention
to the election, 15th October next, for delegates in Congress,
as these must form a constitution for the State to be the cor-
ner stone of law." Then follows the order for the election of
five delegates for each county to vote in the next Congress.
This constitutes the call for the Fifth Provincial Congress, in
reality the Constitutional Convention. The prompt action of
the Council calling into operation the Constitutional Conven-
tiont — his call destroying its own being — is worthy of attention
as significant of the temper and purpose of the time and the
people. The Council of Safety, despite its call for the con-
vention, seemed unable to adjourn, so great was the pressure
of business- and so many the demands upon its
x: 696-701 strength. Four additional days of service at
Halifax succeeded the call; then followed, in

incial Council and Commitl - ifety 7

quick don, series of meetings in Wake County, Salis-

bury, and again in Halifax. < >u the first day of the last ses-
sion of the Council at Halifax, there was refer-

\s,.; dice to the Provincial Congress t<> be held at
Halifax, November 10, 177<>, which actually
n'ii:; convened November 12, 177<>. On October 25,
the Council of Safety ceased to exist.
The peculiarity in the S3^stem of government by the* Pro-
vincial Council and the Committees of Safety, so far as or-
ganization and period of sway are concerned, is that, in its
fully developed and legalized form, it is only a part of a
larger movement which spread in successive waves through-
out the province. This movement had been authorized by
provincial enactment, August 27, 1774, but had
x:HM7 been in existence, practically speaking, since
ix : 1016 July 21, 1774 and to a certain extent had been
ix : 741 familiar to the people since December 8, 1773.
Moreover the germs of the system must have
been imbedded in the soil of America from the time it felt
the touch of Englishmen; this germ is the tendency towards
strong political control through the power of a committee
and for the purpose of ultimate liberty in the highest sense.

Before the County Committees became embodied in the
system of government as outlined by the Third Provincial
Congress, they had reached, in individual growth, a point of
commanding local influence. That this is true will be seen
from the position of these committees at the time of the
Second Provincial Congress. Before this is made evident,
the preceding waves of development in the governmental svs-
tem, already referred to, require some discussion for the pur-
pose of indicating the landmarks of advance. Certain dates,
as before suggested, mark the steps in the progress of Com-
mittee Government. These lead directly to the position of
the Committees at the time of the Second Provincial Con-
After adding this significant date to the advance move-
ment, we are prepared to consider the government instituted
by the Third Provincial Congress in its separate parts and
various relations. For the progress of events denoting

8 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

growth in the system of government may be presented
through certain situations:

(1) On December 8, 1773, the Legislature ap-
ix : 741 pointed a Committee of Correspondence for the

province; this was a definite step towards com-
mittee government.

(2) On July 21, 1774, the call for the First
ix* 1010 Provincial Congress was made from Wilmington

at a generaj meeting of the inhabitants of the
District. Here a Committee was elected to prepare a circular
letter to the counties of the province, urging the necessity
for electing delegates for a Provincial Council. John Harvey,
as appears in a private letter from Samuel John-
Jones' "De- ston, had declared for "assembling a convention
en°e kh! independent of the Governor", after Martin had
expressed his intention not to allow another
Assembly during the period of disturbance. The last As-
sembly had been dissolved by the Governor, with the pre-
amble, "Whereas the Assembly of this Province,
IX: 9,v> having assumed to themselves a power unconsti-
tutional, repugnant to the laws and derogatory
to the honor and good faith of this province."

(3) On August 27, 1774, the First Provincial
ix : 1047 Congress at New Bern authorized County Com-
mittees of Safety. In this act we have the proof

of the priority of the County Committee, antedating, in legal
institution, the District Committee and the Provincial Coun-
cil— put into operation September 9, 1775, during the session
of the Third Provincial Congress at Hillsboro — by more than
a year. But by the Third Provincial Congress the County
Committees, already in existence, were made a part of a reg-
ular corporate administrative system; and it is this system of
the Provincial Council and the Committees of Safety, in full
operation together as the machinery of colonial government,
that is to be studied in its activity, its origin and its growth.
To return to the significance of the third step in the general
advance movement; the origin of the County Committee as
legally instituted, is to be found in this "resolve" of the First

/' ■•■ icial < 'ouncil and < 'omwi 7 ' 9

Provincial Congress: "Th.it a committee of
ixioi: five persons be chosen in each count j by such
persons .is accede to tliis Association (of the
Congress) to take effectual care thai these resolves be prop-
erly observed and to correspond occasionally with the Provin-
cial Committee, of Correspondence of this Province."

But the actual origin of county activity is probably more
remote. It seems not unnatural that some self-constituted
form of the local committee should have come into play
cooperative with the Provincial Committee of Correspondence
of 177.}, though this was primarily for obtaining
™|J{£q information of the acts of Britain and move-
i\:1o:;l> ments of other colonies. The assemblies that
appointed deputies to the First Provincial Con-
i\: 1088 gress which gave its authority to the local com-
mittees, drew up resolves and proceeded in much
the same manner as the regularly constituted local Safety
Committee. These preliminary bodies, issuing instructions
to delegates and formulating opinions as to policy, political
and economic, may be classed in function with the regularly
constituted Safety Committee. Later, meetings of freehold-
- after the Provincial Congress — were distinct from the
Safety Committees. They were merely elective bodies and,
such, important; they elected delegates to the Provincial
Congress and also elected members of the local (town or
county) Safety Committee. This Safety Committee, selected
through the meetings of freeholders, had not elective func-
tion even, as appears later, for filling vacancies in their own
body. They had, however, kindred prerogative and obliga-
tion in the selection from their own number of a special
(inner) Committee of Secrecy and Inquiry — and they had
also power for the appointment of military officers and the
judiciary for certain courts.

(4) The power and position of the local Committees at the

time of the Second Provincial Congress may be shown through

re: to them at this juncture. The Address

ix: 1191 of Governor Martin to the Assembly, Apiil 4,

1775, contains the following: "The meetings

10 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

to which the people have been excited, the appointment of
committees, the violences these little unrestrained and arbi-
trary tribunals have done to the rights of his majesty's sub-
jects; the flagrant and unpardonable insults they have offered
to the highest authorities of the State by some of their acts,
which have been made public; and the stop which has been
put in some of the counties to the regular course of justice
but too plainly evince their progress here." The reply to the

Governor's charge is of this nature: "The com-
ix: 1199 mittees appointed by the people in the several

towns and counties of this Colony, in conse-
quence of the resolutions of the Continental Congress held at
Philadelphia were the result of necessity, not choice, as the
only means left them to prevent, as far as in them lay, the
operation of those oppressive and unconstitutional acts of
Parliament, endeavored to be imposed upon America by
Great Britain and that the Assembly have not been informed
of any steps taken by those Committees but such as they were
compelled to take for that necessity and for the salutary pur-
pose aforesaid." From these expressions on both sides it is
evident that the Committees were exercising decided influ-
ence and making themselves felt as a great force to be met.

This interchange of sentiment, between Governor Martin
and the people, regarding Committee influence, took place
during the time of the noted confusion of Assemblies when
the body under English auspices and the one under revolu-
tionary colonial leadership met at New Bern at the same time
and with much the same membership; Harvey presided over
both in the two capacities of President of the one body and
Speaker of the other. The revolutionary body which caused
the complication of proceedings had been convened because,
as was explained, "the people had no right to expect that the
Assembly would be permitted to meet till it was too late to
send delegates to the Continental Congress at Philadelphia."
The Governor's usual expedient, resorted to in ordering the

Congress, on April 5, 1775, "to break up the
i\: 1187 said meeting and to desist from all such illegal,
ix : 1211 unwarrantable and dangerous proceedings," and

incial Council and Commit - afety 1 1

his dissolution of the Assembly, April 8, 1775, becaut

'tending to alienate the affections of his Majes-
esty's subjects" these proclamations of dissolution left
full scope to the Provincial Government, the backbone of
which was Committee jurisdiction. Tims the waves of
development in the tendencies of government have reached
that point <>t legalized incorporation of the local committees
in the system put into operation by the Third Provincial
Congress the point toward which we were advancing.

[laving surveyed the progress towards organized Council
and Committee government, we conclude that in the process
of growth there may be seen:

1. A preliminary preparation for the Government by
Council and local committee in the existence of a General
Committee of Correspondence for the Colony, which may have
been the germ of Council idea, and in the meetings of free-
holders throughout the Colony for patriotic interests. This
period may be said to end with the First Provincial Congress.

2. A foundation g-overnment with the Congress centre,
and effective numerous local committees, this period extend-
ing- from the First to the Third Provincial Congress, a period
of about one year.

3. The actual g-overnment of Provincial Council and Com-
mittees of Safctw covering- a period of something- more than
a year, but broken into two well-defined stages:

A. The Government by Provincial Council and Commit-
tees of Safety in district, town and county (these last grow-
ing in number and influence), extending through a period of
about eight months, from the Third to the Fourth Provincial
Congress, which instituted:

B. The government by the Council of Safety, another
form of the Provincial Council, with constantly increasing
functions, supplemented by the local committees which are
now on the wane in number and activity and whose powers
are absorbed by the Council. This last stage of the system,
covering about six months, ends with the calling of the Con-
stitutional Convention by the retiring Council of Safety.

12 • James Sprunt Historical Monograph

Considering- separately the parts of this government by
Provincial Council and Committees of Safety, it may be seen
that

1. The Provincial Council came into being- through an
enactment of the Third Provincial Congress at Hillsboro on
September 9, 1775. It was abolished, or more properly
speaking, transformed on May 11, 1776, through the substi-
tution of a similar central body, the Council of Safety, by the
Fourth Provincial Council at Halifax,1

The Council of Safety, coming into operation simultane-
ously with the disappearance of the Provincial Council
proper, continued in full force until it adjourned at Halifax,
Oct. 25, 1776, to give place to the Constitutional Convention,
the body called into existence by the act of the retiring
Council.2

2. The District Committee of Safety is not so easily
traced, for the records of its operations are meagre. Like the

County Committee, it seems to have had some
x:24 activity in Wilmington before its regular incor-
x:25 poration in the system formulated by the Third
Provincial Congress. But compared with the
County Committee, the activity was slight. The Congress
evidently intended the District Committee as a far more vital
force than it ever became. Members for each of the six Dis-
trict Safety Committees — of Wilmington, Hillsboro, New

ISessions of the Provincial Council:

1. Johnston Court House, Oct. 18-22, 1775.

2. Johnston Court House, Dec. 18-24, 1775.

3. New Bern, Feb. 28-March 5, 1776.

28essions of Council of Safety.

1. June 5-15, 1776, Wilmington.

2. June 19- July 16, 1776, Dobbs Co.

3. July 21-Aug. 13, 1776, Halifax.

4. Aug. 21-28, 1776, Wake.

5. Sept. 5-12, 1776, Salisbury.

6. Sept. 27-Oct. 25, 1776, Halifax.

Provincial Council and Commix Saftty 13

Bern, Eden ton, Halifax and Salisbury — were at
k:210 once selected l>\ the Congr< The extent of

c: 216 jurisdiction was definitely marked out for the
District Committee. The actual work of these
bodies will be discussed in connection witli the functions of
the government as a whole, when the Proceeding* of Wil-
mington and New Bern District Committees will be indicated.
Besides the minutes of the Wilmington District
1:414,415, for two meeting* there are records of eight

|L. 1-V meeting's at New Bern. In addition there are

466, 169, °

402, 4<i:;. some references to other District Committees

which will be gathered together from the min-
utes of the various proceedings throughout the province.

3, The local committees were for both town and county,
but the two blended, as will be shown later, so as scarcely to
require separate treatment. The County Committee, with
its remote origin, its legalized separate existence, from the
time of the First Provincial Congress and its incorporation
into a regular system by the Third Provincial Congress, was
the most active factor of the body politic until the law of the
Fourth Provincial Congress put the Council of Safety in
operation. From that time the County Committee declines
in prominence. The Council, holding its sessions in various
parts of the province, became as it were, a supreme
authority in each locality and the county committees
though utilized to some extent to the end of Provincial gov-

Districts,

lxxiv:237 Salisbury: Anson, Rowan, Mecklenburg, Try on, Gkiilford,

Surry. Burke, and l>i>t. of Washington.

Hillsboro: Orange, Granville, Wake, Chatham and Caswell.
Halifax: Halifax, Northampton, Edgecombe and Bute.
Edenton: Chowan, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Currituck,
Bertie, Tym-H. Hertford, Martin an. I Camden.
New Bbbn: Craven, Carteret, Beaufort, Johnston, Hyde,
Dobbe and Pitt.

Wilmington: New Hanover, Bladen, Onslow, Duplin and
Cumberland.

14 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

eminent, were gradually lost sight of as an independent
power.

Having examined the machinery of the system of Provin-
cial Government as a whole and through its separate parts,
and having watched its rise and decline in a general way, we
have still to investigate the vital functions of the govern-
ment. These were of immense range, practically embracing
the entire gamut of the legislative, the executive and judic-
ial.

The powers of the Council as outlined by the
x: 208, 209, Third Provincial Congress were about as fol-
210. lows: It was authorized to certify appointments
of officers in the army during the recess of
Congress and to fill vacancies; to suspend members of army
or militia when deemed necessary for the public service; to
order court martials; to direct, in conjunction with subordin-
ate committees of safety, all military affairs of the province;
to reject at discretion officers chosen by the people; to compel
debtors about to remove from the Province to give security,
etc., etc., and to draw on the Treasury sums necessary for
public service. In general, the Provincial Coun-
x:209 cil was empowered "to transact, all matters as

members might judge expedient to strengthen
and defend the Colony, so as the same shall not extend to
altering or suspending any act or resolution of the Congress."
The Council was responsible to Congress for
x:209, 210. . its proceedings and for an itemized account of
moneys used for the public service. The Coun-
x:209 cil could not set aside a sentence of Court Mar-

tial; this was subject to the confirmation of
Congress. These restrictions, apparently of no practical .sig-
nificance, and the one prohibiting action counter to any Re-
solve of Congress may seem only formal. In effect, the
power of the Council seems identical with that of Congress.
Thus were the functions of the large central body, composed
of at least five persons from each county of the Province,
transferred, during the interim of Congressional sessions, to
a body of thirteen persons, with assistants to do its bidding

.,/ Council and < 'cmimitl - ifety 15

in the local Safety Committees throughout the province.

The minutes of the Provincial Council contain an exten-
sive range of proceedings in many fields. Among the mili-
tary enactments are the following: Officers of military com-
panies were confirmed; certain rights of appointment, etc.,
Were assigned to Captains. Orders were issued for enlisting
minute men; for military training; for securing .inns and
ammunition; for division of certain regiments; for rearrang-
ing battalions according to decree of Congress; for regulation
oi military rank; for providing military escort for convey-
ance of powder from point to point; for dismissal of certain
militia; for the listing of men in service; for recruiting-; for
resisting hostile troops; provision for report of Captains to
Committees of towns and counties, of districts, etc.

The appointments by the Council extended over a large
field. They were for such positions as these: Commission-
ers for Edenton, New Bern, Wilmington and Salisbury dis-
tricts; Commissioner and paymaster for District of Hillsboro.
Vacancies were filled in the District Committee of New Bern.
Persons in each of the six districts were appointed to make
141ms. Treasurers for the northern and southern division dis-
tricts of the province were selected.

The enactments for financial necessities were numerous.
Each of the two public treasurers in northern and southern
districts was empowered to draw on the general (Continental)
Treasurers for sums within certain limits. The Council
authorized orders on treasurers for proclamation money, for
provisions, arms and ammunition, medicines, care of soldiers
in hospitals, clothing for troops, extra cost of recruiting
parties, payment to messengers of state, completing fortifica-
. erecting breastworks, and for particular military move-
ments.

The special orders are of a miscellaneous nature. Troops

to be supplied with blankets; express was sent to dele-

gates of Continental Congress; vessels were chartered at

jM.rts 6i New Bern, Edenton and Wilmington; security laws

made for protection of creditors. Orders were given

for making of carriages for cannon; for the care of lead; for

16 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

additional rations for soldiers for providing- barracks. There
was a rejection of a petition for shipping- naval stores; any
order for securing-, with help of military if necessary, certain
public papers of the Court of Chancery; advice for suppression
of disaffection, etc. Among- the decisions were these: Pay-
masters not to be reg-arded as military officers and, therefore,
not disqualified for seats in Provincial Congress; premature
election of delegates and committeemen in certain counties
legalized; late elections in certain counties authorized, etc.

Some of the reg-ulations which concern town, county and
district management are ol special value in indicating rela-
tive power, function and organization, while others show
merely a certain amount of supervision on the part of the
Council. Days were designated for elections in Wake and
Tryon counties. Local committees were authorized to make
regulations for security of debts; this is followed by an ex-
planation to the effect that the function is impracticable for
the Council, as creditors have to await the session of the
Council to make application. There may be a suggestion in
this communication of the conditions which led to the grad-
ual taking on of power and the later independence of the
local committee. Town and County and District committees
were urged to forward military service. Committees of Wil-
mington and Brunswick were advised to prevent communica-
tion from the Province with Governor Martin; correspondence
with Martin to be inspected for approval by Committee of
Town and by commanding officer in town. The Wilmington
District Committee was empowered to cut off supplies to ships
of war in the Cape Fear river; there seems to be some recog-
nition of the position of the District Committee as superior
to that of the County. An election in Onslow County was
set aside on account of the refusal of the Committee to sub-
scribe to the "Test"; the Council recommended a new election.
A recommendation appears for an election in Surry County,
advice being for five representatives or less to Congress, and
twenty-one or more Committeemen. There were orders to
Town and County Committees for the appointment of persons
to take care of gunpowder, saltpetre and sulphur of vicinity.

i,ir/l and ( 'nmiinf > h I,/ 17

Aii order to the Committee of Safety for the District of Salis-
bury, "to meet the first Tuesday ol February next for dig-
patch of business," is another one of the rare allusions to
District Committees whose minutes are lacking, Town and
County Committees were ordered to furnish captains of min-
ute men and militia with copies of the "Test" recommended
by the Provincial Congress; failures to sign the "Test" were
to be reported. Suspected persons of town and county were
to be disarmed by order of local committi

There were Resolves which reveal something of the rela-
tions with other colonics: The President of the Council to
spond with Councils of Safety of Virginia and South
Carolina; to solicit gunpowder from South Carolina (draft on
Continental Treasury to be given); to appoint Committee of
two to confer at Charles Town with Committees from Coun-
cils of Safety of South Carolina and Georgia, in accordance
with recommendation of Continental Congress; Committee of
three to confer with Committee of Safety of Virginia.

Among the general resolutions hardly admitting of classi-
fications are these:

Request to Continental delegates to transport gunpowder
from Pennsylvania; request to Continental delegates for liter-
ature to counteract influence of Tory pamphlets; exclusion of
ns not signing "Test" from benefit of security laws;
prohibition of export of provisions from province without
leave of Congress, except in case of return in port of salt,
arms or ammunition. Resolves of appreciation are found;
thanks to Colonel James Moore and troops for late services in
suppression of insurrection of Highlanders and Regulators;
tribute to Colonel Howe for services in Virginia, etc. These
minutes contain also orders such as the one for conveying Gen-
eral Donald McDonald, taken prisoner at battle of Moore's
Creek, to Halifax prison.

The penal jurisdiction to uproot disaffection and prevent
objectionable influence was a great feature in the transition
provincial government. It is possibly even more prominent
in the work of local committees and that of the Council of

18 James Spruni Historical Monograph

Safety than in the acts of the Provincial Council. In the
minutes of this body we find such decisions as the following-:

Certain persons to be tried by the District Committee of
Halifax where witnesses are convenient; this ruling- has a
double interest in two connections already alluded to. It is a
second reference to one of the District Committees whose
minutes are lacking-; and the "trying- of cases where wit-
nesses are convenient" is another clue to the growth of busi-
ness for the local committee. There is another reference to
the Committee of Perquimans County — one of those lacking-
minutes — in the requirement of some bond for g-ood behavior
(in connection with commercial interests) to be given that
Committee. The remaining- resolutions are illustrative of
regular proceeding-s and not otherwise of import — e. g\, a
ruling- ag-ainst the holding- of a militia position by person
inimical to the cause; an order for delivery of two prisoners
from the Syren, man-of-war, on parole at New Bern, to Com-
mittee of Halifax; order for close confinement in jail of one
who has expressed a wish that "America would be subdued
this instant"; an order for court martial; and instructions for
use of necessary force in compelling- attendance of witnesses
at next Provincial Congress at Halifax, in case of insurrec-
tion of Highlanders and Regulators.

When the Provincial government reached its second stage
and the Provincial Council gave place to the Council of
Safety, the proceedings were of a somewhat different type.
The action of the Council of Safety, on the whole, seems
even more strenuous, confident, direct and extensive than
that of the Provincial Council. For as practically the only
legislative, executive and judicial power of the province,
except the now declining local Safety Committee, on it —
this body of thirteen members — devolved the whole
machinery of civil government, besides the crushing of dis-
affection and the management of military affairs. The
efficiency and enterprise of the local committees — despite the
inaction of the districts as such — were so great as to leave
hardly a need for the Provincial Council. Though it per-

Safety L9

formed its assigned functions, the actual duration of its three
sessions was not all of three weeks, its successor, the
Council of Safety, with new powers and moving from place
to place in the province, acting alone, with n<> Legal semb-
lance of District Commutes and with the County Commit
fast losing significance, this body consumed, in almost con-
tinuous session, about four months.

The Fourth Provincial Congress which on

\ ; >:•' May 11. 1776, instituted the second stage of this

government, abolished the Provincial Council

\ iSi and the District Committees and outlined the

functions of the Council of Safety: "All tnat-

\ :>si tors heretofore taken cognizance of by the late

Provincial Council or the several late commit-

of safety of this Province and undetermined shall be

taken cognizance of by the Council of Safety:"

k4The Council thus constituted to be vested
k;580 with power to execute all things necessary for
the defence and protection of the colony, pro-
vided they shall not abrogate any resolution of Congress,
emit bills of credit, levy taxes or duties, draw on the Conti-
nental Treasury, erect offices or courts, or try or condemn
except where permitted by Resolve of Congress.'* But the Re-
solves of Congress included the assignment of most of these
perogatives to the Council, and if any were
r:680 omitted there is no evidence of the fact in the
acts of the Council.

Express powers were stipulated for trjTing and

*:580 restraining those inimical to the interests of

America. Within a liberal limit, the Conti-

k:580 nental Treasury was open to the order of the

Council. Special recommendation was made to

the Council to establish Court of Admiralty and to appoint

judges of same, besides port officers, commissioners, etc.

Nothing less than an outline of some of the proceedings of
the Council will serve to show the range of interest and the
remarkable power and efficiency of this body.

20 James Spriint Historical Monograph

At the time of the Council of Safety administration, political
situations and necessities were becoming complicated. The
principal needs to be met were those of internal peace, defence
against England, and protection against the Indians. Rela-
tions with other colonies and co-operation with these, for
mutual aid, were prominent at this period of administration.
Salt and gunpowder were the absolutely necessary and some-
times almost unobtainable articles. The fact had its effect
on commercial regulation. The Council was in touch with
the South Carolina delegates in the Continental Congress at
Philadelphia and in harmony with Continental spirit.

The minutes of the' Council regarding military matters
include the setting aside — according to privileges granted in
advice from the Continental Congress — of a ruling by the
Congress on September 3rd, directing two North Carolina
battalions under Moore to proceed to New York. Among the
military enactments, we find an order to Brigadier General Per-
son to furnish men from the Hillsboro brigade, with Colonel
James Taylor in command, to join Brigadier General Ruther-
ford on the western frontiers; an order to General Rutherford to
send three hundred men from Salisbury District to join the
Virginia forces against the Cherokees; an order for troops
stationed by Rutherford to continue on the frontiers of Tryon
County; a countermanding of the order for troops from Hills-
boro, as Rutherford's force had proved sufficient for the pro-
tection of the frontiers, etc.

North Carolina was endeavoring to unite with South Caro-
lina against the Cherokees of the lower valleys, and with
Virginia against the overhill Cherokees. An independent
Company, at Occacock, was ordered to convey iron ordnance
to Pamlico Sound to be transported thence to Virginia; stip-
ulations were made as to manner of procuring and guarding
gunpowder; General Moore instructed to report condition of
troops; to station forces at New Bern and Wilmington, etc.;
General Howe to reclaim soldiers of regular North Carolina
army enlisted unjustly by South Carolina; also to remand all
North Carolina troops now in Georgia. These re merely

wncil and Committ - ifety 21

illustrative acta relating to military affairs, and in this field,
besides campaign orders, there were army appointments, and
minute directions for trial for delinquencies, provision of
anus, distribution of Military Guides to soldiers etc.

The financial appropriations made by the Council range
from ;£3, to / £3,000. Provision for contingencies was con-
siderable. Accurate calculation as to this feature of govern-
ment is impracticable; but rough estimate of partial expenses
gives a result of ,{.1(>7,277. Outlays were liberal, and minu-
tiae, as well as great powers of state, received attention.
The minutes contain records of orders on the treasury to
cover expense for salt works; musket makers; a certain cargo;
imported gunpowder; payment of militia; examining- alleged
lead mines: bringing prisoner to council; support of prisoner
on parole; disarming- Tories; apprehending- deserters; obtain-
ing iron; recruiting": needs of Commissaries etc., etc.

Among the general orders are instructions for valuation of
land in Cartaret County; gunpowder from Virginia to be sent
to a certain point; purchase of Osnaburgs for tents (quantity
specified); supply of blankets and clothing for troops; search
for public papers in Cumberland County; valuation of im-
ported cannon; purchase of provender for Light Horse at
ek; Commissioner to be dispatched to northern states
to contract for making pig ircTn; horses in possession of per-
sons in Bute and Granville counties to be brought in good
order to next Congress; persons having guns used in service
in expedition against the Tories to bring same to Council or
make good the value; stopping sale of salt in Cumberland
County, except to private families; regulation of the selling
price of salt; certain deli very of salt from Cross Creek out of
quantity intended for (iranville; salt taken by court martial at
Cross Creek to be received by Commissioner of County of Wake
for distribution among the soldiers of late expedition to Moore's
Creek; salt to those superintending iron-works; salt to those
on la* ition and to families of those now in service

ist Indians; application for kettles for boiling salt to be
:d to the point of forcing owner to sell for payment in

22 James Sprit nt Historical Monograph

dollar bills of state — the man had demanded Continental or
proclamation money; wagons to convey load of bacon and
pork to Wilmington to be disposed of there; beef and pork in
danger of damage to be sold at a sacrifice in Tarboro.

Salt 'and gunpowder, obviously the predominant interests
in these orders, were also vital features in matters of com-
mercial relations, as exportation was allowed on condition of
return importation of cargoes of salt, arms and ammunition.
Commercial decrees were important elements of Council gov-
ernment. There are records of orders such as these: Pur-
chase of boats by Captains of Independent Company of sea
coast; Admiralty judge to proceed with trial of the King
William seized as British property; port commissioners to
receive manifest ot cargo before allowing vessels to proceed,
(military to be utilized for purpose if necessary); sundry ves-
sels which had been sunk to obstruct navigation and had
been taken possession of, to be subject to order of Council or
CongTess; materials for armed vessel King Tammany, to be
supplied to Commissioners at Edenton out of Wilmington
public stores; the King Tammany to protect trade at Occa-
cock Bar until return of the Pennsylvania Tanner, to cruise
between 32° and 35° lat., within eighty leagues of shore,
then to return to Occacock; corresponding orders for the
Pennsylvania Tanner, alternating service with King Tarn-
many; change of plan for those vessels on account of unfit-
ness of the Pennsylvania Farmer to proceed, and probability
of appearance of Jamaica fleet; the brig General Washington
to protect trading vessels in the Bar; appointment of Com-
mander and other officers of brig Betsy in Edenton Bay, bound
to Europe with cargo of tobacco; rescinding appointment of
officers for the brig Betsy on account of owners' objections
and matter left to the Committee of Edenton. Maritime
courts were established by the Council at Edenton, Bath,
Wilmington and New Bern.

Among the special permits of the Council, there are a
number of commercial import. Leave is given in certain
cases to proceed against enemies of the thirteen colonies as if

\incil and Committ - \fety 28

tin- letters of Marque and Reprisal solicited from tke Conti-
nental ( - had already been received; in special
and finally as a general ruling, there was granted the privi-
. before alluded to, to all vessels to export to French,
Dutch or neutral West Indies, cargoes of oak Btavi on
the condition of certain return imported cargoes; a certain
brig Polly is allowed to depart; leave is given for the pur-
chase t'«»r Bermuda of a cargo of provisions in this colony; a
grant is made endorsing an appeal to Congress in a certain
case regarding a grievance against the Council in matter of
the brig William.

The Recommendations of the Council endorse certain
exchange of prisoners; advise Washington District (the set-
tlement oi Watauga and Holstein) to send a delegation to the
Provincial Council to submit application for incorporation in
the state; instruct officers marching against Indians to restore
to Washington District property taken from the people by
Indians instigated by British; express opinion as against
allowing any soldiers besides voters at ensuing election of
delegates throughout the State.

The records of the Council include mention of communica-
tions with other colonies; e. g., the following: Received
from Virginia two tons gunpowder; order, as cited elsewhere,
to deliver iron ordnance to Virginia; the order for men from
the Salisbury District to join Virginia forces against the
Cherokees; permission to Georgia to recruit soldiers (other
than those already enlisted) in North Carolina. Besides the
intercourse with other colonies, there was frequent exchange
of letters, etc., with the State and Continental delegates.
The full description of North Carolina conditions and needs
with request for the procuring and transmission, by wagons,
gunpowder and iron plates lor salt pans, would serve as
the typical letter from the Colony to their Continental dele-
gati

The disciplinary acts of the Council form one of their

t channels of activity. These are some of the items

oi the minutes: Supension of a Captain of Independent

24 James Sprurvt Historical Monograph

Company for neglect of duty; removal from County of Bruns-
wick to New Hanover and security ^500 required for good
behavior on account of a charge of correspondence with the

enemy; certain Mrs. and Mrs. to remove from

Wilmington to some point twenty miles up the river (suppo-
sition a charge of objectionable sentiment); escaped prison-
ers to be returned to Halifax; order for a removal, within ten
days, from residence in New Bern to the County of Dobbs for
two months to return on bond (offence, using inimical influ-
ence). Numerous cases occur of summons on suspicion of
disaffection; fines for refusal to serve in militia; one Rev.

Mr. of Orange, forced to move at his own expense,

under military oversight, into certain locality of Perquimans
— he had failed to obey a milder order; certain men were sep-
arated by being put on parole in different localities; in some
cases a considerable range of movement was allowed in the
parole, in others the parole was strict and oversight close;
and actual confinement in jail was as frequent as the parole.
Occasionally there is note of some proceeding not directly
concerning disaffection, as in efforts to apprehend a high-
wayman. An action of some special interest was that
against a "New Light" Baptist preacher of Anson who per-
sisted on religious grounds, in declaring view^s against bear-
ing arms. He was put on parole in Edenton.

But perhaps the greatest energy displayed by the Council
was in the detection and punishment of those guilty of pass-
ing counterfeit money. This seems to have supplied a
motive to the Council in the choosing of locality for a ses-
sion of their body. The culprit was strictly dealt with and
many cases were dispatched.

The impression from the penal proceedings of the Council
is nevertheless one of great care in pronouncing judgment.
There were many cases of discharge after the required prom-
ise of "good behavior" on the taking of the oath. Parole
was frequently extended. There wrere cases of release accom-
panied by the naturalizing edict; there were discharges from
custody with and without bond; grants were given for depart-

al ( 'ouncil arid t •ommiA ■ \fety

ure from America (upon application); complete exonera
with full explanation seems to have been >nally among

the acts; finally, very decided advice was given for relea
tin state prisoners in Philadelphia.
The later resolutions of the Council contain allusion to the
New Test oath, necessary after the change of North Caro-
lina from province to state — or after the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, Even at this late period there were recommenda-
tions for persuasion of malcontents and disaffected.

The Council of Safety, having caused the general Procla-
mation of the Declaration of Independence and recommended
the election of delegates to the Constitutional Convention
and settled the last needs of the province, went out of exist-
ence; and left it to the representatives of the people to pro-
vide for the needs of ,the State.

A subject of special interest in the recommendations of the
Council of Safety is found in the advice to County Commit-
The Fourth Provincial Congress which instituted the
rnment by the Council of Safety is not specific as regards
the authority of the local committee below that of the Dis-
trict power which was abolished. True the phrase, used in
vesting in the Council all power which had been formerly
exercised by the "late Committees of Safety in the Province"
might be understood as including the County
Jt:581 Comittees. But these did not go out of exist-
ence. There are records of meetings after this
period and the recommendations of the Council, just alluded
to. testify to the fact that County Committees were recog-
nized and utilized till the end of transition government in
North Carolina. These hist recommendations to the various
local committees must be reserved for a place in the dis-
n of the latest period of county activity. At present
an- mentioned merely ;is a significant feature of the
proceedings of tin- Council of Safety.

The history of the County Committee, that most important
factor in provincial government, to be given in outline from
the period preceding the First Provincial Congress, will be

26 James Sjwunt Historical Monograph

considered in connection with the slight activity of the Dis-
trict Committee. The work of the occasional town commit-
tee will also be regarded as in organic relation with that of
the County.

The proceedings of fourteen counties, with an aggregate
of something like one hundred and eighty-five meetings, to
be considered in this sketch, with a glance at committees of
other counties where minutes are lacking, may serve to indi-
cate the range in function of the local committees of Safety
in the State. If there were committees in all the counties, as J.

Seawell Jones seems to think, they were proba-

Jones' ? De- ^iy 0f ^e same general type as those on record.

201. There are indications of some distinctive trends

of interest in different parts of the State, but,
in general, the committee proceedings of different counties
reveal similar methods and a common purpose.

J. Seawell Jones says: "The advancement of
Jones' 'De- ^he great American cause and not iustice was

K'IK'O '. p

205. the motto of the County Committees. They not

infrequently usurped the powers of the County
Court and subjected the gravity and reason of the law to the
control of the popular will." He refers also to their "pass-
ing of the bounds of Congressional decree in the use of the
whipping post and the dungeon." Sabine writes: "The
wise man of Israel said, 'a brother offended is

American harder to be won than a strong city.' Those
Loyalists: & J

p. 75. who took upon themselves the sacred name of

sons of liberty needlessly and sometimes in their
very wantonness offended, beyond all hope of recall, persons
who hesitated and doubted and who for the moment claimed
to occupy the position of neutral." This author regards
some of the work of the Committee as the exercise of mob
law. Yet he states that "wherever there was defection,
conspiracy or treason, there were to be seen the the stealthy

footsteps of some* one or more loyalists" — that

American there were bands of Tories lying in wait for the
Loyalists: .

'p. 74 unarmed, and another class endeavoring to emit

Provincial Council and Cowinitl 3 ycty 2d

and pass immense sums ol counterfeit money in order to aid
in the depieciation of Continental money that Gov, Martin

succeeded in embodying a force of fifteen hun-
Amtncan d red men that nearly or quite nine hundred

and fifty 01 Fergusons command at Kings

Mountain were Tories tliat in tin- Battle of
Moore's Creek, Colonel Caswell took eight hundred and ninety-
four prisoners, every man of whom, officers and soldiers were

loyalists— that in Anson County, Governor Mar-

■'""'"" tin had two hundred and twenty-seven loyal
Loyalist*: , J ,

.,7 addresses; in Guilford, one hundred and fifteen; in

Rowan and Surry, one hundred and ninety-five —
that the banks of the Cape Fear river, the valleys of its remote
sources, and the territory bordering- on the Deep and Haw
rivers, which embrace the present counties of Moore, Orange,
Chatham, Guilford and Randolph, and then as now compris-
ing the very heart of North Carolina, were overrun with
Tories — also that in the County of Cumberland, the adher-
ents of the crown outnumbered the Whi£s and led to the
ravaging of estates.

In such a situation, feeling- the weight of British oppres-
sion and later animated by the spirit of independence, with
no Governor and no courts, except the ineffectual county
tribunals, some vigorous action on the part of the State may
be accounted for. Arbitrary as were the committees, there
is no doubt, as Rumple remarks in his history of Rowan
County, that they "awakened zeal, suppressed disaffection,
embodving militia companies, providing ammunition, sup-
porting the cause of freedom."

In working through the confusion of meetings of freehold-
Safety Committees of County and town — these in sepa-
rate and combination forms, districtc ommittees, district and
town committees as one and joint meetings of different coun-

tie: in passing through this web of meetings to something

ear analysis, there are a few farts and principle
importance. These, mentioned before to an extent, require
emphasis hei

28 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

1. The first meetings of freeholders, while primarily for
the election of delegates to the First Provincial Congress,
assumed something of the nature of the County Safety com-
mittee as afterwards constituted by the Congress; later free-
holders' meetings were distinct from Safety Committees and
yet the source of these as controlling the membership,

2. In most cases the town committee seems to have been
lost in the county committee, though in a few instances, per-
haps, they remained separate bodies.

3. Occasionally the town was so completely the centre of
activity as to absorb all county interests and thus the latter
merged in the former, instead of the reverse.

4. District Committees were not active bodies. From the
first, the local committees seem to have gone beyond the
orders of the superior bodies and to have left them nothing
to do.

5. Of the occasional combination bodies there were three
types which will be pointed out in special cases in the course
of this analysis.

(a) The union of District and County or Town.

(b) The joint meeting of County and Town.

And in one case to be mentioned there is a. combination of
"(b)" and "(c)".

6. Meetings were by no means confined to the regular,
legally stipulated times but were called at discretion, which
seems often to have been in quick succession.

The records included in this review show the meeting in
Rowan County, August 8, 1774, as the first of the local com-
mittee meetings, and that in Chowan, Oct. 15, 1776, at Eden-
ton, as the last.

The first meetings in Rowan, Pitt, Johnstone, Anson,
Granville, Chowan and Halifax were assemblies called to
elect delegates to the First Provincial Congress, the primary
object of which was the selection of delegates to represent
North Carolina at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia.

/ i •;/ and Comm y .

Probably there were meetings of Freeholders in other coun-
or the s.iinc purpose, but these at least resembled some-
what the later Sa U t v Commits

ween the opening of the First and Second Provincial
Coti! . the meetings recorded are as follows:

2 meetings in Rowan,
7 in Pitt,

3 in Chowan,

1 in Halifax.

27 in Wilmington,

3 in Craven.

Between the opening of the Second and Third Provincial
Congress:

4 meetings in Rowan,
<> in Pitt,

22 in Wilmington,

2 for District of Wilming-ton,
6 in Craven,

1 in Northampton,
1 in Tryon.
Between the beginning of the Third Provincial Congress
and the First Provincial Council:

5 meetings in Rowan,

4 in Pitt,

5 in Wilmington,

3 in Craven,
1 in Tryon,
5 in Surry.

In like manner, between First and Second Provincial
Council:

5 in Rowan,

4 in Pitt,

1 in Halifax,
lo in Wilmington,
1 in Tryon,
Between Second and Third Provincial Council:
3 in Rowan,
3 in Pitt,

30 Jam/* Sprunt Historical Monograph

19 in Wilmington,
8 for District of New Bern,
3 in Tryon.
Between the opening- of the Third Council and Fourth
Congress:

1 meeting in Pitt,

1 in Wilmington.

Leaving the first for the second stage of the Council Sys-
tem, we have, between the beginning of the Fourth Congress
and First Council of Safety:

2 meetings in Rowan,
1 in Pitt.

After the Council of Safety session begin, local committee
meetings appear rare. We note only the following:

1 in Pitt near the close of the second session of the
Council of Safety in Dobbs county,
1 in Pitt during early part of third session of the
Council of Safety at Halifax,

1 in Rowan, latter part of the same session of
Council,

1 in Rowan during first part fourth session of Coun-
cil in Wake county,

1 in Guilford (minutes not recorded), and
1 in Orange during same session of Council,
1 in Chowan during first part last and sixth session
of Council at Halifax.
Thus we have noted meetings as follows:
24 in Rowan,
32 in Pitt,
1 in Johnson,
1 in Anson,

1 in Granville,
5 in Chowan,

3 in Halifax,

84 in Wilmington,

2 in Wilmington District,
8 in Craven,

incial Council and Commit \fety 81

s in Craven,
9 in Nrw Bern District,
l in Northampton,
(» in Tryon,
4 in Surry,
l in ( hrange,
l in Guilford.
These, if not complete, are sufficient t<> supply types of the
local committees throughout the Province.

In general, the subjects which occupied the attention of the
Provincial Council and the Council of Safety were those
which consumed the time of the committees. Each Com-
mittee elected from its members its inner Committee of
Secrecy and Inquiry and then passed to its legislative,
judicial and executive work, as business developed.

In the meetings which preceded the First Provincial Con-

gresS, the committees approved the calling- of the Provincial

Congress and the convening of a Continental Congress, and

formulated views as to policy, etc. After the meeting of the

First Congress, the committees had only to approve the

Resolves of Congress and proceed to meet practical and

immediate needs. The County of Rowan, as

"Rowan Rumple remarks, * 'showed itself in the forefront

County' of liberal and patriotic opinions." Its place of

14s. meeting was Salisbury, and here, as appears

generally the case in other counties, there seems

to have been no town committee distinct from that of the

County.

Some of the resolutions, recommendations and proceedings
in Rowan, for the twenty-four meetings, from August 8,
1774, throughout the persistent work of the Committee
extending at least as late as the Fourth Session of the Coun-
cil of Safety, may be briefly indicated.

We find the conventional resolution of loyalty to the House
of Hanover; the protest against action of British ministry
and parliament; approval of American union for self-protec-
tion; opinion in favor of non-importation; encouragement of

32 James Spruni Historical Monograph

home manufacture; decision that objectors to the Resolutions
of the Provincial Congress should be branded as "enemies to
the Country." There is an acknowledgement to the deputies
to the Provincial Congress from county and town; financial
provisions; appointments; address to militia; orders for list
of taxable property, census rolls, etc. The signing of the
Test Oath to insure faithfulness to the American cause was
required; advice was published as to dangerous nature of the
Governor's proclamation, etc. The special Committee of
Correspondence and Inquiry investigated and reported
infringements of the law of the Provincial Congress. Cen-
sure and instructions followed pertaining to matters such as
excess selling of rice, gunpowder, the publication of an
objectionable paper called "Protest," which was ordered
placed on whipping post and gallows in token of its con-
temptible character. Censure was not confined in any of the
counties to ordinary rebuke. Imprisonment was common.
But the minutes of Rowan contain a considerable number of
pardons and discharges. There were a number of special
grants of permission by the Committee for the bringing of
suits, besides orders for security and confiscations to protect
creditors, etc. Relations with other counties may be seen
from some of the proceedings: As, decision to apply to
neighboring counties for gunpowder; to send to Tryon a
prisoner accused of plots with Indians; to solicit friendly con-
ference with people of Yadkin for purpose of quieting dis-
affection; consideration of complaint from Surry about some
seizing of some guns; advice to Committees of Brunswick,
Wilmington and Cross Creek to prevent communication with
Governor Martin.

The form used in Rowan County to denounce one refusing
to sign the "Test" or to follow requirements of the Commit-
tee is, in effect, the same as that of other counties and illus-
trates the nature of Committee disfavor:

"Resolved, therefore, that by disavowing all

connection with his county in the present measure has, as far
as in his power, relinquished the rights of the people and

WiCil <i ml ComiiW <(<t,i 33

opposed them, to be illegally and unconstitutionally taxed by
the British ministry, which baa a tendency to spread sedition
amongst bis majesty's loyal subjects in the County of Rowan.
For which he is justly deemed by this committee an enemy to
his country and should be treated as such by all his maj<
loyal subjects in America."

The character of the functions of the local committees cor-
responded in general to the work of the Provincial Council
and the Council of Safety. The mode of procedure in Rowan
County, as just outlined, is typical of the method and scope of
the other local committees. A full description of the business
dispatched by these local committees would involve much rep-
etition. Therefore, it is hoped that the attempt to select
somewhat distinctive features only, from the committees now
remaining" for discussion, will serve to show the whole work
without conveying- any sense of disproportion in the accom-
plishments of the various sections of the State. This by no
means implies however that all parts of the State were equally
active. The Wilmington Committee, without question, occu-
pies the leading- place; its geographical position combined
with other circumstances necessitated constant vigilance.
But the other committees seem to have performed their work
in full accord with the demands and the spirit of the time.

The Pitt County Committee meetings in Martinboro extend
from August 15, 1774, to July 23, 1776. The County is thus
noticeable for early activity and late disappearance, its last
recorded meeting, so far as we have seen, being during the
Third Session of the Council of Safety. Its activity, through-
out the period of Provincial government, also seems distrib-
uted so as to suggest that it was constant and uniform.

Pitt County is inclined to elaborate the theory of the
rights of government in those first Resolves against British
encroachments. An early plan was made for contributions
for the relief of Boston as was also the case in other counties.
Patrols were appointed and given power to shoot resisting
negroes. In addition to the usual investigation and summon-
ing to appear before the Committee, is an arraignment for

34 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

disrespectful reference to the proceedings of Congress. Cul-
prits were advertised in the papers when necessary. One

Rev. Mr. is advised, for the sake of peace, to release

his people from his twenty-year parish engagement.

The Committee approved the Resolution of Craven County;
a letter was read relative to a prisoner from the District Com-
mittee of New Bern; there is a receipt for powder from the
District Committee of Edenton. The last item is particularly
significant as the first indication of the existence of
x: 422 an Edenton District Committee.

The one record made in this sketch for Johnston
County is for a meeting of August 12, 1774, prior to the First
Provincial Congress. The Resolves of the County include
expressions of the principles underlying America's position;
they are similar to those formulated in other counties but
with additional special stress on the right of America to free
legal trials and the illegality of trials beyond seas. The Com-
mittee of Correspondence, etc., was appointed as in the other
counties.

The record for Anson is also for the one meeting, August
18, 1774. The Resolves were regular — i. e., in accord with
those of other counties — and particularly full and explicit.
The special recommendation is for entire suspension of com-
merce with Britain; also for the suspension of certain suits.

In the meeting of Granville, August 15, 1774, the Resolves
were regular, with some distinctive emphasis. The stress on
the theory of government, as was the case in Pitt County, is
noticeable, and there is in Granville, a particularly complete
outline of grievances, with comments on the right of revert-
ing to the charter. Yet there is a conservative tendency in
the Granville recommendations. The sympathy with Boston
on account of British wrong is not made to include necessarily
the full approval of Boston's course of action; suspension of
commercial intercourse is considered radical, and suspension
of proceedings of law, dangerous.

Chowan County Committee meetings to be noted are four
in number; one before the First Provincial Congress, three

/ incial Council and CommiUeei ■

between the sessions of the First and Second Congress, and
One, tlu* wry last local committee meeting- we have to record,
taking place October 15, 177(>, during the last session of the
Council of Safety at Halifax. One of the three meetings
between the First and Second Congress, that of February 4,
1775, is recorded as a town, not a county meeting. There is
nothing apparent in the nature of business to mark off the
town from the county committee at this meeting; there was
an order for the selling of imported goods, according to a rul-
ing of the Continental Association, and a resolution of thanks
to a party countermanding an order for goods, as cooperative
with plan of Continental Congress. Two of the meetings of
Chowan County may not have been at Edenton, as the pro-
ceedings are dated merely from private houses.

The Chowan Resolves and proceedings are regular; in
general, perhaps, less full than those of Granville. Besides
the usual order of business, we note two points of some inter-
est, viz., a new charge as responsible for summons before the
Committee, and an economic departure of significance. The
summons was for horse-racing, which had been prohibited.
Rowan had recommended encouragement of home manufac-
ture, and the general spirit of the country was in favor of it;
but Chowan County seems to be the only one recorded as offer-
ing premiums for this purpose. A part of the amount was
realized by public subscription and a minor part supplied in
proclamation money, the whole amounting to ^90. The
premiums were for the manufacture of the best and greatest
quantity of wire wool and cotton cards, woolen cloth and
linen and steel. Occasionally in the records there is some
letter from a Safety Committee bearing date not correspond-
ing to any date of regular minutes. This is the case with a
late communication, 25th July, 1776, from Edenton, in which
is reported a contemplated mob attack from Perquimans
County, to sieze forcibly a supply of salt in Edenton.

Halifax County has on record a meeting before the First
Provincial Congress, one between the First and Second Con-
gress, and one between the First and Second sessions of the

36 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

Provincial Council. These must have been ample for all
needs of the locality, considering- the fact that Halifax formed
the centre of Provincial government during- the time of the
Fourth Provincial Congress, April 4-May 14, 1776, and in
July and September, 1776, when the second and sixth ses-
sions of the Council of Safety were in operation.

The Halifax Safety Committee meeting-s are noticeable
only for their regular conventional proceedings, inclining
somewhat towards the conservative as regards commercial
policy and general plan of action.

Wilmington's Safety Committee meetings extend from
Nov. 23, 1774, through March 7, 1776, including, so far as
this investigation has revealed, a total of eighty-four meetings.

There are minutes for twenty-seven meetings in the period
preceding the Second Provincial Congress, twenty-two meet-
ings between the sessions of the Second and Third Provincial
Congress, besides three meetings of the rarely appearing Wil-
mington District Committee. Again, this Committee appears
in session five times between the Third Provincial Congress
and the First Provincial Council and ten times between the
First and Second Provincial Council. Persistent still, it has
nineteen meetings between the Second and Third Provincial
Council and one about one month before the Fourth Provin-
cial Congress. Finally the Wilmington Committee must have
been elevated to its supreme function when it seems lost. For
Wilmington becomes the centre of government when the first
session of the Council of Safety is in progress. No local com-
mittee seems inclined to self assertion or to activity of any
kind during the ten days of Council of Safety proceedings at
Wilmington.

The work of the local Safety Committee of this port town
which seemed in touch with conditions in all the counties of
the province, in other colonies, in England and on the seas,
requires some special discussion, although its range of activ-
ity has been seen, in general, in the operations of other county
committees and in the final jurisdiction of the Council of
Safety.

Provincial Council and Committees <•; 87

In Wilmington there was distinct movement towards the
combination of the county and town committee.
i\ : 1127 The minutes of February 20, 1775, contain th<

olution to scud formal messages to each member of
town and county committees in order to secure a joint meet-
ing on March <>th. At this ( February 20th) meeting-
ix : 1128 it appeared that a majority of the joint committee
was lacking. Another movement on this occasion
was the proposition that the joint committee of New Hanover
and Wilmington send two members to attend a committee
meeting of Duplin County any day after March 6th
ix :1160 — and that Duplin be invited to send two represen-
tatives to Wilmington for the meeting* of March
6th. On this date the chairman of Duplin County, pursuant
to Wilmington's proposition, was in attendance,
ix : U61 On March 7th, three members of the Wilmington
Committee were selected to attend the meeting- in
Duplin. These two meeting-s — the one recorded for Wil-
mington and the one indicated for Duplin — belong to the
-apparently rare type of the joint committee which has a place
entirely separate from the District Committee with its regu-
lar membership for a certain set of counties. The records of
the County of Duplin appear lacking; but its activity may be
inferred through more than the one reference alluded to. It
has a representative at the District of Wilmington
x:i>4 session, June 20th, 1775, and three members at
\: 112 Wilming-ton, July 21, 1775, when there were also
present representatives from Cumberland, Onslow,
and Bladen.

Wilmington's minutes contain a call to the Committees of
the District to meet on the 20th of June; a request to the Dis-
trict Committee of Salisbury to order troops to Wilmington
— another evidence of the existence of a committee in that
District; a communication with the Chairman of Brunswick
Committee in regard to some return of g-oods — this a refer-
ence to another County Committee; regrets to Wake County
on account of inability to supply g-unpowder, and thanks to

38 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

Bladen County for apprehension of culprits — these communi-
cations may or may not have been to actual committees with-
in these counties; a resolution against further transmission
of secret papers to Cumberland County "until that Commit-
tee of Intelligence has taken the oath of secrecy" — a valu-
able reference to an organized Safety Committee which seems
later to have gone out of operation.

The Wilmington committee seems to have issued commer-
cial and military orders in one continuous stream of resolves.
There were military orders for enlistments; for meeting Col-
onel Howe on way to Fort Johnston; for supplies for hospitals
and provisions of guns. Cargoes of guns and negroes were
ordered reshipped. The form of command was as follows:

"The Committee for the town, chosen to observe the con-
duct of all persons touching the Association of the General
Congress, have resolved .... etc.; it is expected that
you, etc." Confiscations and imprisonments were sufficient
to compel compliance. But in some cases there were volun-
tary appeals to the Committee for advice regarding disposi-
tion of cargoes or return of slaves, etc., and the acceptance
of committee decisions in these cases seems to have been with-
out complaint.

Among the general rulings of the Committee may be found
such items as recommendation to the province to support
South Carolina in the levying of soldiers; to intercept Gov-
ernor Martin in his progress to the back country; to collect
troops, etc. Finally, communication with Martin was cut
off; there was a special resolve prohibiting attendance of his
majesty's Council on the sloop of war; provisions and medi-
cines might be carried to the vessel only by special permit.

A resolve of indignation regarding the exception of North
Carolina in the trade laws of England was passed by the Wil-
mington Committee; a resolution of thanks was decreed at
the proper time to the soldiers who had demolished Fort
Johnston and its traitor commander; there was, in general,
decided interest, from the first, in all the Resolves of the Pro-
vincial Congress and in the urging of meetings of the Con-

Provincial Council o ml Committer* of So fit) i

gress. Siuii selections from the minutes m.iv illustrate the
Committee spirit.

The disciplinary acts of the Wilmington Committee were
strict and numerous. They extended to the control of horse
races, the billiard table and the dames or balls even in pri-
vate homes. There were dealing's with enemies to country as
usual; imprisonments; requirements to recant or leave the
country within three days; denunciation of the "false scan-
dalous and seditious" — to quote description by the Commit-
tee — and orders in refractory cases for closer and closer con-
finement. Yet, as in other counties, some care was used in
decisions; there were some acquittals, and persons under
arrest were occasionally allowed to depart to other colonies
(an instance noted, to Massachusetts and Rhode Island) after
investigation of claims had been satisfied.

The absolute independence of the Wilmington Committee,
with its determination to enforce its power to the utmost, and
its willingness at the same time to keep strictly within its own
bounds in jurisdiction, may be seen with remarkable clearness
in two seperate acts of the Committee, of decided significance
when thus considered together :

In one case, an order was given for release of a certain
prisoner and for cessation of all proceedings against

v: 262 him, on the ground that suit had been brought (in
the County court) without the proper required

k: 332 sanction and cooperation of the Committee. In
the other case referred to, the Committee nullified
its own election of some members of its body, chosen to fill
vacancies, and referred the matter of election for said vacan-
cies to the freeholders of the County, with an acknowledge-
ment of a mistake in the exercise of illegal power. It is of
some interest also to note the names of these mem-

x: 334 bers, elected and set aside by the Committee, on
the list of those next chosen by freeholders for
Committee service.

The District Committee of Wilmington has nothing on its
records to mark it as of superior nature to the committees of

40 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

counties and towns. We find entries like the following: Let-
ter from Cross Creek read and approved; Governor's procla-
mation read and committee of three appointed to reply to
same; defeat of a motion for certain leave for importation of
house servants; decision to apply to Cumberland County for
gunpowder for public use; appointment of patrols for control
of negroes; resolve that "Association" of New Hanover stand
as the Association for the District — the last item suggesting
early leadership of the County rather than dictation of the
district.

Craven County shows activity in three Committee meet-
ings at New Bern just before the Second Provincial Congress,
six meetings between the Second and the Third Congress, and
three between the Third Congress and the first Provincial
Council. The first meeting of the Committee seems to have
been on January 27, 1775; the last, August 14, 1775. This
Committee was not lacking in firmness and extent of proceed-
ings but these are in general similar to those of other coun-
ties discussed. The investigations were relative to matters
of moment as illustrated through the intercepted letter of
General Gage to Governor Martin in regard to hostile intro-
duction of arms, etc., into the province, and another public
letter of Governor Martin's in which he admits having
thought of stirring up an insurrection of slaves. The min-
utes include an order against communication; comment on the

destruction of Fort Johnson; censure of Rev. Mr. for

refusing to officiate at a service on the day set apart by the
Continental Congress — the position of the minister being due
to his fear of losing a mission in foreign parts.

The meetings of the New Bern District Committee, as
recorded, are nine in number; the first on January 16, 1776;
the last February 24, 1776, thus indicating activity, for the
District, between the Second and Third Provincial Councils.

The resolutions of this District Committee of New Bern
include general and special rulings in military and commer-
cial matters, with minute directions for sale of salt imported
without sanction of Committee, the question of use of pro-

wmcU and i ,ommk \ \fety 41

frotn said salt to be referred to the Provincial Conj
Orders were issued for suppression of insurrection in certain
counties, the raising of troops for various localities, with pro-
vision of military force for Craven County during the
of Caswell. Some action was entered into regarding default-
ers, security debts, etc. A proceeding of no great import in
itself will illustrate the general plan of the relation of town,
county and district committees, and also mark another one of
the references to otherwise unrecorded Districts. The situa-
tion referred to is as follows :

A request appears from the District Committee of Eden-
ton to the town of New Bern for seizure of a certain ship
going to sea contrary to the ruling of the Continental Con-
gress. The Town of New Bern committee reported to the
District Committee of New Bern the seizure of said vessel.
The District Committee of New Bern recommended to the
Town Committee the dismantling and guarding of the ship
till orders could be obtained from Congress or Council of
Safety. From this it would appear : (1) That the natural
course of action was direct .communication with the town
whose services were needed rather than to the district. (2)
That the formal appeal for instruction, from county to town,
was of no practical value. The lack of District activity was
evidently due to easily explained conditions.

Northampton County probably was guided to a greater
extent by its Safety Committee than the one record which
can be given here would demonstrate. The minutes of the
meeting are for August 5, 1775, two weeks before the Third
Provincial Congress. The record is for a judgment against
a person on account of some handling of gunpowder in con-
veying it from Virginia to Hillsboro.

The Try on County Committee meetings recorded extend
from August 14, 1775, to February 6, 1776. The meetings
seem distributed thus: one meeting just before the Third
Provincial Congress, one between this Congress and the First
Provincial Council, one just before the Second Provincial
Council, and three before the Third Provincial Council.

42 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

The Resolves of the Tryon Committee appear full and
extend over the usual range of procedure in other counties.
Among- the rulings may be noted : a permit for receiving
ammunition from Charles Town; an order to a jailor in another
county; some regulations regarding trial of suits in Inferior
Courts and a special decision against extending any action to
the point of inhumanity.

The five Surry County Committee meetings recorded were
during the two months preceding the First Provincial Coun-
cil, i. e., in August and September, 1775. The impression
given by the minutes of the meetings is that the County dis-
patched the business of the Safety Committees with very lit-
tle to vary the monotony of the regular. Certain papers
termed "Protests," were condemned ; there were rulings for the
protection of creditors and the securing of ammunition, and
the usual election and appointments.

There is a record of a meeting in Orange County on Aug-
ust 7, 1776, near the close of the fourth session of the Coun-
cil of Safety. A complaint was here presented from some one
who claimed to have been forced into military service under
false pretences. In response, a resolution was passed com-
manding the appearance of the offending officer before the
Committee or the Council of Safety.

This is the last Committee movement found in the minutes
so far as this investigation has extended; but the references,
as before stated, and also the correspondence of the period
testify to other proceedings and reveal committees in other
counties, this suggesting a wider range of action than that
outlined here. A lettter from Guilford County, dated August
23, 177b, is an appeal from a member of the Guilford County
Safety Committee to the State Council of Safety for advice
regarding the appointment of a company of Light Horse to
apprehend the disaffected at a time when disapproval of such
measures is evident. There is also on record a letter from
the Council of Safety, then in Wake County, to the Guilford
Committee, relative to certain prisoners, and approving of
the company of Light Horse, provided it is under direct man-
agement of the Committee and used only when necessary.

// and Comrmtteei of Safety

In like manner the existence of a Committee of Pasquo-
tank is seen through a letter to this Committee, giving
instructions tor trial by the Committee 61 some one suspected
of having written a eertain seditious paper.

So there is no doubt of activity in the State, besides that
revealed through the minutes of meetings. Reference has
been made to the evidence showing organization in the Dis-
tricts of Salisbury, Halifax and Kdenton and the counties of
Onslow, Duplin, Brunswick, Cumberland, Perquimans, Guil-
ford, and Pasquotank. Allusions to Wake and Bladen have
also shown probability of organizations in these counties. In
Mecklenburg, famed for its own early Declaration of Inde-
pendence, the proceedings of meetings of citizens, signed P.
S. (Public Safety), were in effect Safety Committee meetings;
most of them occurred aftef the signing of the Declaration.

There were a number of Committee meetings, which
occurred, as has been indicated, after the receipt at Halifax
of the news of the Declaration of Independence in Philadel-
phia. The Resolutions at Halifax include instructions to the
committees of the Safety Committees of the respective coun-
ties and towns to make public the Declaration. From this
point in time, the proceedings of the Safety Committees per-
tain to local needs rather than to resolutions against Britain.
The local committees were decreasing in importance with the
increase in the functions of the Council of Safety. But, as
has been said, the instructions and recommendations from the
Council of Safety to the local committees were to the last a
valuable aid to the Council government.

We find directions from the Council to the committees of
the several counties and towns to obtain for trans-
mission through the Council to the Continental
» Congress, accurate lists of inhabitants; to obtain

from suspected persons and neutrals inventory of
estates, and to send such persons before the Council; to the
Committees of Duplin to regulate price and sale of salt; to
the committees in general to secure inventory from persons
showing disposition to undervalue Bills of Credit; to send

44 James Sprunt Historical Monograph

before the Council persons violating- Council resolves, etc.,
etc. Persons were appointed to read the Declaration of Inde-
pendence and the Resolutions of the Continental Congress in
regard to treason, in the County of Cumberland. The appoint-
ment was accompanied by the comment, "As there is no com-
mittee in Cumberland," which would indicate the occasional
disappearance in a County of the organized Safety Committee.
The correspondence of the period covers the military field
of operations; the relations of the Provincial and
government to the delegates in Congress; the con-
x, xi nection of this g-overnment with the Systems in
other States, and the inter-relations of the differ-
ent features of g-overnment within the State. Through these
letters we gain increased evidence of the efficiency of the
Council and committees in the reg-ulation of the military,
civic and economic interests of the country. The plans of
North Carolina, South Carolina, Virg-inia, and Georgia for
cooperation, and the preparation for campaigns against
Indians are prominent subjects of the correspondence. Among
the communications of military import are those to and from
General Moore, General Ashe, Colonel Folsome, General
Rutherford, General Lee, Colonel Armstrong, Gen-
xi eral Howe and Colonel Butler. The inter-State
communication is with men like Governor Rut-
ledge, of South Carolina, (Gov.) Patrick Henry of Virginia,
Henry Laurens, President of South Carolina Council of Safe-
ty, and President Page and Edmond Pendleton, of the Coun-
cil of Safety of Virginia.

Within the State there is important correspondence with
Samuel Johnston and Cornelius Harnett. North
x: 255 Carolina was also in close touch with her Conti-
nental delegates in Congress, and there was an
occasional communication with Hancock, President of the
Continental Congress.

Briefly stated, the government of the Provincial Council
and the Committees of Safety in North Carolina, extending
from September, 1775, to November 12, 1776, and embracing
a system of two distinct stages, had its foundation in the

Provincial Council and Gortym&tfa ■''/ i-">

government hy t1u> Provincial Congress. This, in turn, v.
the result of preliminary organization of County Committees
which seemed impelled to action by a call which came from
patriots of Wilmington, and by a realization of the pressure
of conditions combined with familiarity with committee gov-
ernment which had at least been utilized since the Assembly
of 1773. There was steady, definite increase in the power of
this government from the time of its complete embodiment in
a well-defined system until it disappeared at the height of
success through the culmination of its acts in the summoning
of the State Constitutional Convention.

The benefit which the province received from the Provin-
cial Council and the Committees of Safety seems to have been
the supply of legislative, judicial and executive functions, at
a time when the regular legislature had ceased to be possible,
the courts had practically disappeared, and the Governor and
his Council had lost all semblance of command. A better
administrative system than that of the Council and commit-
tees was no doubt possible, and it was ushered in by the Con-
stitutional Convention. This was not only created by the
Council of Safety; its work was made possible by the preced-
ing form of government which paved the way for its success.
The province may have been subjected to arbitrary, oligarch-
ical power bordering on tyranny, but underlying this there
was at least disinterested purpose, and through this democ-
racy seemed to emerge. The conception of la and order in
democratic rule perhaps came to the state through the trans-
ition government. This may have been the basis for the
functions of the later complex institutions of a government
advanced and highly developed.

Note: The tabulated list of the meetings of Congress, Councils and Coin-
mitteee, at the close of this sketch, is not intended as exhaustive, final, or
•lately accurate so far as numbers and order of local sessions are con-
. d, nor even as to the number of counties Included. It may be of value
for illustration of the stages and development of independent colonial gov-
ernment; and some such form might serve as a basis for determining growth
of committee activity and scope of committee relations through rough chron-
ological grouping.

Appendix A

LIST OF MEETINGS OF LOCAL SAFETY COMMITTEES

(RECORDED IN TEXT)

Rowan County (Salisbury)

Aug. 8, 1774 Nov. 8, 1775

Sept. 23, 1774 Nov. 9, 1775

Nov. 3, 1774 ' Nov. 10, 1775

June 1, 1775 Nov. 11, 1775

June 15, 1775 Feb. 6, 1776

Aug-. 1, 1775 Feb. 7, 1776

Sept. 20, 1775 Feb. 8, 1776

Sept. 21, 1775 May 7, 1776

Sept. 25, 1775 May 8, 1776

Oct. 17, 1775 Aug. 7, 1776

Oct. 18, 1775 Aug. 22, 1776
Nov. 7, 1775

Pitt County (Martinboro)

Aug. 15, 1774 July 29, 1775

Oct. 27, 1774 Aug. 23, 1775

Nov. 3, 1774 • Sept. 9, 1775
Nov. 17, 1774 ' Sept. 23, 1775

Dec. 17, 1774 Oct. 2, 1775

Feb. 11, 1775 Oct. 24, 1775

March 10, 1775 Oct. 25, 1775

March 24, 1775 Nov. 11, 1775

May 1, 1775 Dec. 16, 1775

May 13, 1775 Jan. 23, 1776

May 20, 1775 Jan. 24, 1776

May 27, 1775 Feb. 13, 1776

June 10, 1775 . March 23, 1776

July 1, 1775 April 23, 1776

July 8, 1775 June 29, 1776

July 17, 1775 June 23, 1776

Appendix 17

Axson County
Aug. 18, 1776

Johnston County
Aug. 12, 1774

Granville County
Aug. 15, 1774

Chowan County

Aug. 22, 1774 (Edenton)
Jan. 28, 1775 (House Mr. John Cofield)
March 4, 1775 (House Capt. James Sumner)
Oct. 15, 1776 (Edenton)

Edbnton
Feb. 4, 1775

Halifax

Aug. 22, 1774 (Town)
Dec. 21, 1774 (County)
Nov. 28, 1775

Wilmington

Nov. 23, 1774 Jan. 21, 1775

Dec. 10, 1774 Jan. 27, 1775

Dec. 14, 1774 Jan. 28, 1775

Dec. 17, 1774 Jan. 30, 1775

Dec. 19, 1774 Feb. 2, 1775

Dec. 30, 1774 Feb. 3, 1775

Dec. 31, 1774 Feb. 13, 1775

Jan. 3, 1775 Feb. 20, 1775

Jan. 5, 1775 Feb. 21, 1775

Jan. 6, 1775 March 1, 1775

Jan. 20, 1775 March 4, 17?5

Appendix

March 6, 1775
March 7, 1775
March 13, 1775
March 20, 1775
March 24, 1775
April 4, 1775.
April 20, 1775
May 20, 1775
June 7, 1775
June 17, 1775
June—, 1775*
July 3, 1775
July 5, 1775
July 7, 1775
July 10, 1775
July 12, 1775
July 15, 1775
July 20, 1775
July 21, 1775
July 27, 1775
July 31, L775
August 8, 1775
August 9, 1775
August 9, 1775
August 11, 1775
August 17, 1775
August 18, 1775
August 19, 1775
August 19, 1775
August 21, 1775
Oct. 5, 1775
Oct. 11, 1775
Oct. 16, 1775

Oct. 17, 1775
Oct. 25, 1775
Oct. 30, 1775
Nov. 3, 1775
Nov. 13, 1775
Nov. 15, 1775
Nov. 16, 1775
Nov. 18, 1775
Nov. 20, 1775
Nov. 24, 1775
Dec. 7, 1775
Dec. 19, 1775
Dec. 20, 1775
Dec. 22, 1775
Jan. 5, 1776
Jan. 6, 1776
Jan. 19, 1776
Jan. 12, 1776
Jan. 15, 1776
Jan. 16, 1776
Jan. 17, 1776
Jan. 18, 1776
Jan. 20, 1776
Jan. 20, 1776
Jan. 22, 1776
Jan. 27, 1776
Jan. 28, 1776
Jan. 30, 1776
Feb. 2, 1776
Feb. 2, 1776
Feb. 5, 1776
Feb. 9, 1776
March 7, 1776

*Exact date unknown.

Appendix 49

District os Wilmington
June 21 >, 1775

June 21, 1775
wi;n County (New Bern)

Jan. 27. 1775 August 2, 1775

March 4, 1775 August 5, 177*.

July 17, 1775 August 10, 1 77*,

July 21, 1775 August 14, 177*.

District ok New Bern

Jan. 1<», 177<. Feb. 21, 177<>

Jan. 17, 177«, Feb. 22, 1776

Jan. IS, 177*. Feb. 23, I77f,

Feb. 10, 177i. Feb. 24, 177*.

Feb. 15, 177*.

Northampton

Aug. 5, 1775

Tryon

August 14, 1775 Jan. (4th Tues.), 177<>

Sept. 14. 1775 Jan.— 1776*

Oct. 25, 1775 Feb. 6, 1776

Surry

Aug. 25, 1775 Sept. 20, 1775

Aug. 2*,, 1775 Sept. 21, 1775

Orange

Aug. 27, 177*.

►Exact date imkm.w n.

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

The James Sprunt Historical Publications

PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

The North Carolina Historical Society

J. G. de Koulhac Hamilton, Editor
VOL. 9 No. I

CONTENTS

Editorial Note

The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel ix the
Province of North Carolina

Correspondence of John Rust Eaton

RAI.F.IGH, N. C.

i iai. ranrave oomfakt,

1910.

RALEIGH, N. C.

COMMERCIAL PRINTING COMPANY

1910.

EDITOKIAL NOTE:

In 1900, through the generosity of James Sprunt, Esq.,
of Wilmington, N. C, The James Sprunt Historical Mono-
graph was established as an annual publication under the
editorial direction of Dr. Kemp P. Battle. Eight numbers
have appeared and have been a distinct contribution to North
Carolina history. But the limitations of the old system as to
the contents and number have been found to interfere with the
usefulness of the Monograph and, in consequence, a change of
policy has been decided upon. It will hereafter appear semi-
annually and under a new title, The James Sprunt Historical
Publications. Its unity with the Sprunt Monograph will be
preserved by retaining the serial number for the future
volumes.

In the future, as in the past, much space will be given to
source material, and the increasingly valuable collections of
the North Carolina Historical Society will in this way be
published and rendered accessible to the general public. In
addition, monographs on various special phases of North
Carolina history will appear from time to time.

The North Carolina Historical Society will be glad to ex-
tend its exchange list and will welcome correspondence on
the subject. It is requested that all exchanges be addressed:
The Library,

University of North Carolina,

Chapel Hill, N. C.

All other communications should be addressed to the editor
personally.

THE SOCIETY FOE THE PROPAGATION OF THE

GOSPEL IN THE PROVINCE OF

NORTH CAROLINA.

David D. Oliver, A.B.

CONTENTS.

I. The Society a Product of the Missionary Spirit of the
Age.
II. Educational Work of the Society.
III. Obstacles which made the Society's Success in the Prov-
ince of North Carolina Impossible:

A. Lack of a Bishop in North America.

B. Unworthy Character of Many of the Early Mis-
sionaries.

C. Lack of Encouragement Shown Missionaries, both
by the Society and by the People of the Province.

THE SOCIETY FOR THE PROPAGATION OF THE

GOSPEL IN THE PROVINCE OF

NORTH CAROLINA.*

1. The Society a Product of the Missionary Spirit of the Age.

In every European movement for colonizing America, the
duty of propagating the Christian religion, though often neg-
lected, was clearly recognized. Franciscan and Dominican
monks speedily followed in the wake of the Spanish and
Portuguese explorers ; and the fruit of their missionary labor
is the Christianity which to-day exists in South America,
Central America, and much of North America. The story
of the missionary work of the Jesuits in Canada and that
of the Franciscans in the extreme West is a story of heroic
and unselfish sacrifice to duty.

In England, a revived sense of this duty, resulting from
an investigation of the situation by the English Church in
1675, gave rise to the "Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge.' The powers of this society were found to be
insufficient to meet the conditions; and, largely through the
efforts of Dr. Bray, another society, with greatly increased
powers, was organized. The complete title of this society,
known in history as the "S. P. G." and as the "Venerable
Society," was "The Society for the Propagation of the Gospel
in Foreign Parts." The Society's charter was granted by
King William III in t)ie year lYOl.t

The most important object of the society was to maintain
an orthodox clergy in the British Colonies.* For the main-
ton ance of such a clergy, the Society pledged itself to pay
each of its missionaries an annual salary of fifty pounds
sterling. In addition to this, the Crown granted to each
missionary a bounty of twenty pounds. It was not intended,

* This paper won the first prize offered by the North Carolina Society
of Colonial Dames for 1900.
t Encyclopedia of MUHon$t p. »'>*8 et seq.
X Encyclopedia of Missions, p. G89.

10 James Sprunt Historical Publications

however, that this would be the sole support of the mission-
aries, for the colonists were expected to contribute something
to their support.

From the time of the coming of its first missionary into
North Carolina in 1703* until the beginning of Governor
Try on' s administration in 1765 the Society accomplished
very little in North Carolina. It merely lived. There were
times when the Society had not a single missionary in North
Carolina ;t and at no time during this period did it have
more than a half dozen. When Tryon became governor of
North Carolina, there were only four missionaries of the
Society in the province.* His report as to the condition of
the churches was as follows: "At Brunswick, only outside
walls built and roofed. At Wilmington, walls only. At New
Bern, in good repair. At Bath, wanting considerable re-
pairs. At Edenton, wanting as much."§

This was a poor showing for sixty-two years of labor; but,
considering the obstacles to be combatted, not a surprising
one. It is the purpose of this paper to point out these ob-
stacles, natural and political, which stood in the way of the
Society's success in the province of North Carolina.

2. Educational Work of the Society.

Before discussing these obstacles, it is well to examine the
claim that the popular education of provincial North Caro-
lina is due to the ministers of the Church of England and,
therefore, to the Society, since, with very few exceptions, the
ministers of the Church of England were, at the same time,
missionaries of the Society. What does this claim amount to ?

Mr. Stephen B. Weeks thinks that, so far from being a
distinct aid in the colony's educational development, much

* Hawks, Vol. II., p. 342.

t "After Mr. Blair's return to England there was a period during
which North Carolina had no missionary." Hawks, Vol. II., p. 344.
There was none during the interval between the death of Mr. Adams
and the coming of Mr. Urmston. Hawks, Vol. II., p. 351. Nor was
there one for some time after Mr. Urmston's departure. C. R., Vol.
II., p. 430.

t C R., Vol. VII., p. 102.

§ C. R., Vol. VII., p. 103.

Janirs 8pruni Historical Publications 11

of the eduoationa] backwardness of the state is due to the
pernicious activities of these missionaries of the Society.*

her writer thinks that in the early days of the provi
before the educational activity of the Presbyterians in the
middle and western part of the state, about all the popular
education was due to the missionaries of the Society.t

But this same writer shows that there was very little popu-
lar education in North Carolina at this period. The Society
sent out a great many tracts to North Carolina, and about
six hundred bound volumes. With the exception of this, the
schools of Mr. Griffin, Mr. Mashburn, Mr. Moir and Mr.
Earl, none of which were of much importance, seem to be
about the only educational efforts of the Society until Mr.
Tomlinson's school was established in New Bern in 1764.

The people who came to North Carolina were, generally
speaking, people of rather poor circumstances. They were
those people who wanted good farming lands, and were not
able to buy them in Virginia. Having acquired these lands,
they needed their children to clear and till them ; and prob-
ably would not have sent them to school had schools been
established. The country was very thinly settled, only the
rich river bottoms and the land along the streams being occu-
pied. Besides this the dread of the Indians was always pres-
ent. Under such circumstances, it was impossible for the
two or three missionaries of the Society, generally in the
colony, to do any educational work among the people.

Moreover, the early settlers of North Carolina were gen-
erally indifferent about educational matters; and this in-
difference had become heightened by long years of isolation,
for North Carolina, more than any other colony, was isolated.
All were more or less isolated and beyond the influence of
European education and culture; but the want of a good
harbor made North Carolina's isolation complete. Her com-
munication with the Old World was always indirectly,

* Weeks: Church and Stnt> in Worth Carolina, p. 22.
t North Carolina Booklet, September, 1903, p. 15.

12 James Sprunt Historical Publications

through the ports of Virginia and South Carolina. However,
the people who came to North Carolina were not afraid of
isolation. A knowledge of letters was not necessary for the
life they were living; and, therefore, they would not exert
themselves to secure such a knowledge.

From this it would seem that the Society did very little
for the popular education of the colony. For, during the
early period of the province, there was very little popular
education; and during the period after 1740, the Presby-
terians played a far more important part in popular- education
than did the Society.

3. Obstacles which made the Society's Success in the Prov-
ince of North Carolina Impossible.

A. Lack of a Bishop in North America.

Governor Dobbs speaks again and again in his letters of
the need of at least two bishops for North America, giving
it as his opinion that this was the greatest need of the colonies
from a religious standpoint. He points out the two great
needs which a bishop could fill : to discipline clergy and laity,
and to ordain ministers. He begs the Church, if bishops can-
not be sent, to at least send some clergymen with episcopal
powers who could fulfill these two pressing needs.*

The province of North Carolina was under the Bishop of
London. The great distance separating North Carolina from
the bishop under whose control it was and the scanty means
of communication made it impossible for the bishop to dis-
cipline either clergy or laity. If the clergy proved unworthy,
there was no superior to correct them. It is hard to realize
how completely the missionaries were cut off from the bishop
who was supposed to control them. Frequently the mission-
aries remained in the colony two or three years before ever
hearing from London. t Under such circumstances, that dis-
cipline which in those days seemed necessary was impossible.

* C. R., Vol. V., p. 315 ; Vol. VI., pp. 221, 709 et seq., 1026, 1040.
f C. R., Vol. I., p. 722 ; Vol. II., p. 54 ; Vol. IV., pp. 621, 794.

James Sprunt Historical Publications 13

The greatest need of a bishop was for the purpose of or-
daining a native clergy. Without one, it was very hard to
have any clergy except the few missionaries sent out from
England, all of whom were profoundly ignorant of the people
and the conditions in North Carolina, and many of whom
were weak and vicious.* At that day it was a very dan
ous and a very expensive undertaking to set out from North
Carolina to London to be ordained. There was always the
danger of shipwreck and disease, smallpox being very preva-
lent. Governor Dobbs says that very few persons "of good
pious character" were willing to come to North Carolina as
missionaries; and few of the natives who were qualified to
become clergymen were in circumstances which would per-
mit of their going to London to receive orders.t

An example of the trouble and danger involved in going
to London to be ordained is given in a letter from Mr. Jones
to Governor Tryon. Mr. Jones, after selling all his property
in North Carolina, set out for London for ordination. At
Liverpool he was detained two months by sickness. After
recvering from his sickness, he started to London on foot.
Being penniless after paying the expenses of his long sickness,
he was forced to sell his clothing in order to buy food. He
finally reached London, only to find that his letters of re-
commendation from Governor Tryon and from the parish of
Orange county were insufficient for ordination. Friendless,
penniless, and in a strange land, Mr. Jones was thinking of
suicide when happily he heard of Miss Tryon, a sister of
Governor Tryon, who aided him.*

This is a fair example of the trouble and danger involved
in going to London for ordination. Had there been a bishop
in North America, probably a good many natives would have
been ordained and appointed missionaries of the Society.
With a sufficiently large body of native missionaries, thor-
oughly acquainted with the people and the country, the work

* DeRoneti : Chwrch History in North Carolina, p. 155.

tC\ B., Vol. vi.. p. 1040.

%0. />'.. Vol. VIII.. p. 23 et scq.

14 James Sprunt Historical Publications

of the Society would, in all probability, have been much
more effective in North Carolina.

"Why is it that a bishop was not sent to North America?
There were two important forces operating against the estab-
lishment of a bishopric in North America, one external and
one internal. The ignorance of English churchmen concern-
ing colonial affairs made the establishment of a bishopric
impossible. McConnell in speaking of this ignorance says:
"The idea of a bishopric in the American wilderness was as
grotesque to them as now would be the suggestion of a pro-
fessor of the higher mathematics among the Zulus." * This
was external. There was also an internal cause at work.
The idea of independence was growing in the colonies. By
1720 this idea of independence was so firmly lodged in the
colonies that no institution which seemed likely to knit them
closer to England would have been tolerated, t This was the
point of view of the colonies. Perhaps England saw it in a
different light. She probably feared that, so far from knit-
ting the colonies closer to her, the presence of a bishop in
America would alienate them by making them, to a certain
extent, independent in ecclesiastical affairs.

B. Unworthy Character of Many of the Early Missionaries.

"It is evil for a people to have no priests, it is still worse
to have bad ones."* The people of the whole South and
those of North Carolina in particular were in this worse than
evil condition for more than a generation after the beginning
of the eighteenth century. A large proportion of the clergy
were mere adventurers and men who had been unable to
succeed in the Old World. Such men found it comparatively
easy to secure ordination from the complaisant bishops of
that day.§ The general unworthiness of the clergy is shown
by the fact that a reform in the ministerial character was
attempted. When Try on became governor of North Caro-

* McConnell : History of the American Episcopal Church, pp. 66, 67.
f McConnell : History of the American Episcopal Church, pp. 66, 67.
i McConnell : History of the American Episcopal Church, p. 56.
§ McConnell : History of the American Episcopal Church, p. 89.

James Sprunl Historical PublicaHoiu 15

Una, he pledged his endeavors to secure decent clergymen for
ilu» province. In order to succeed in this, he wrote the
Society that it was necessary for them to send to North Caro-
lina "not the sweepings of the Universities but some clergy

In a great many cases, those clergymen who were not
actually vicious were weaklings. These early clergymen did
not have the true missionary spirit. They were not willing
to give up all worldly goods and suffer everything for the
"Greater Glory of God." A great many offered themselves
as missionaries to North Carolina because they were pro-
foundly ignorant of the conditions here. They expected to
find good livings and light labor. $ When they reached North
Carolina and found how heavy the labor was and how light
the reward, they became discouraged, and soon went in
search of lighter fields and more certain rewards.

The record of the early missionaries of the Society is proof
of the weakness and viciousness of the character of many of
their number. Daniel Brett, the first Episcopal missionary
to North Carolian, was not a member of the Society; but he
was sent out by Dr. Bray, the founder of the Society, one
• before it began active operations.§ Although not a
member of the Society, his conduct, in common with the con-
duct of their own missionaries, retarded the growth of the
Society in North Carolina. Governor Walker was a very
zealous churchman and it is from his letter to the Bishop of
London that we get an estimate of the character of Dr. Brett.
This letter shows him to have been a very unworthy man.
Governor Walker says: "He for about half a year behaved
himself in a modest manner, but after that in a most horrid
manner, broke out out in such an extravagant course that I
am ashamed to express his carriage, it being so high a nature.
It hath been a great trouble and grief to us who have a great

•O. R., Vol. VII.. p. 103.

f(7. /.'.. Vol. vil.. p. 106.

j: Weeks: Okwrch and State in North Carolina, p. 22.

%HavLs; Vol. II., p. 341.

16 James Sprunt Historical Publications

veneration for the Church, that the first minister who was
sent to us should prove so ill as to give the dissenters so much
occasion to charge us with him." *

Mr. Blair was the first missionary sent out by the Society.
Mr. Blair seems to have been a good and pious man ; but he
was made of the wrong kind of material for a missionary.
The many obstacles which confronted him soon discouraged
him ; and, finding his hopes of state support blighted, he left
his field and returned to England.

Mr. Rainsford came over in 1712. Nothing can be said
against his moral character ; but the life of a missionary was
not suited to a timid weakling like Mr. Rainsford. Fear of
the Indians drove him into Virginia after only a few months
of service in North Carolina. t Mr. Newman* and Mr. Tay-
lor§ both died after only a very short service. Mr. Bailey and
Mr. Blacknall were the last to come to North Carolina during
the proprietary rule. The former was a drunkard and a
rowdy.fi Very little is known of Mr. Blacknall; but that
little is not very creditable to him. The judicial records of
that time show that he was brought before the courts for
marrying a white man and a mulatto woman. 1 1

We now come to one "who, in twelve years, did more to
retard the spread of Christianity and the growth of the
Church of England in Carolina, than any and all other
causes combined."** No one has attempted to defend Mr.
Urmston. Every writer has admitted that he was a villain.
He was a quarrelsome, covetous, lying beggar. He bought a
plantation near the Virginia line where he lived in plenty,
and drew the Society's pay without doing their work.tt He
so aroused the hatred of the people by his "begging and other

* C. R., Vol. I., p. 572 ; also quoted in Weeks : The Religious Develop-
ment in the Province of North Carolina, p. 35.
t Hatvks, Vol. II., p. 353.
$ C. R., Vol. II., p. 531.
§ C. R., Vol. II., p. 380.
fl C. R., Vol. VI., p. 604 et seq.
1 1 Hawks, Vol. II., p. 354.
** Haivks, Vol. II., p. 353.
tt C R., Vol. II., p. 17.

■Innies Sprunt Historical Publications 17

indiscretions" that no one would attend his meetings* Mr.
Ormstox] himself says: "I preach often to nine or ten and
sometimes ride five miles in vain not to find a soul there." *
One of his contemporaries thus characterizes him: "He is a
very unfit missionary for that or any other place — his life is
so wicked and scandalous notorious drunkard and swearing
and lewdness is also what he is occupied of for these and
other of his vices he was so much disliked of the people he
was among that scarce any of them come to hear him and it
is what one shall hear from almost every one's mouth that
knows him that it is a pity that he should ever come into these
parts any more except he reforms his life and bad example
doing more hurt than ever his preaching did good."t

But even among these early comers, there were at least
two good missionaries. Mr. Adams and Mr. Gordon arrived
in North Carolina in April, 1708. All parties united in
praising these two, especially Mr. Adams, who justly merits
"the character of a faithful and painful pastor and orthodox
minister of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."* Mr. Gor-
don was of a gentle and sweet disposition, and was more
easily discouraged than Mr. Adams. He returned to Eng-
land after only a few months of service; but Mr. Adams
labored on until his death in 1710.

The conduct of these early missionaries, with the exception
of Mr. Adams and Mr. Gordon, caused the people to look
with disfavor upon the Church of England and the work of
the Society. According to Governor Eden, the unworthy
character of the missionaries was responsible for much of the
lack of encouragement shown them by the people. Governor
Eden says: "They are as willing as any of his Majesty's
subjects on the continent to contribute to the utmost to the
subsisting of ministers that are gentlemen of good lives and
affable behavior and conversation." He goes on to show that

*r. //.. Vol. it., p. 294.
tC. R., Vol. II.. p. l.:i.
%C. R., Vol. I., p. 730.

18 James Sprunt Historical Publications

prior to that time the people of North Carolina had not been
blessed with such ministers.*

The people wanted ministers "of exemplary life and con-
versation tho' of less learning." Had such ministers been
sent them, they would not only have made all allowances
provided for by law, but also all that their private circum-
stances would admit of.t

The ministers were so unworthy that the people became
indifferent 'and actually hostile to the Church of England, so
that in 1733 Burrington could say : "There is not one clergy-
man of the Church of England regularly settled in this Gov-
ernment. The former Missionarys were so little approved
of, that the Inhabitants seem very indifferent whether any
more come to them.t

C. Lade of encouragement shown Missionaries, both by the
Society and by the people of the Province.

The lack of proper support and encouragement of the mis-
sionaries, both by the Society at home and by the people of
the province, was one of the most potent causes of the Society's
failure to accomplish anything in North Carolina.§

There certainly were times when the Society did not take
enough interest in its missionaries. It has already been
shown that some of them went years without even hearing
from the Society. This was undoubtedly due in part to the
poor means of communication, but not wholly. The fact
that they scarcely ever received any encouragement from the
Society was bad enough; but worse than this was the fact
that the bills drawn by the missionaries were at times not
promptly paid, and some were returned protested. The So-
ciety was almost their sole support. This being the case, this
protesting of bills drawn upon them worked an especial hard-
ship upon the missionaries. It was ruinous to their credit,
and Mr. Rainsford complains that he is actually in danger

* C. R., Vol. II., p. 228.

f C. R., Vol. II., p. 273.

t C. R., Vol. III., p. 429.

§ C. R., Vol. II., p. 54 ; Vol. IV., p. 793 ; Vol. II., p. 12.

Jamrs Sprunt Historical Publication* 19

of the jail became be is unable to repay money borrowed
by him on his credit as a missionary of the Society.*

I mm Bcanl enoouragemenl and practically no rapport was
given the missionaries by the people of the province. In
those places where the dissenters were strong, all kinds of
dients w rted to in order to avoid the payment of

parish dues. They elected vestries of known dissenters who
would not qualify. It was very hard to make the vestr
tuxes; and, even when levied, they were seldom collected.
Mr. Adams says: "I have not since I came to the country
i\ ed so much as to pay for my diet and lodging."t Neither
Mr. Urmston nor Mr. Rainsford ever received anything from
the inhabitants. Indeed, Mr. Rainsford says his own losses
were considerable. He was forced to hire guides, pay boat-
men, and buy horses both for himself and his guides. All this
was very expensive.*

Even where the missionaries received any of the parish
dues, it was in such a form that it amounted to very little.
In the early days of the Province, the money raised by the
vestries for the missionaries was in the form of public bills
of credit; and these bills were at a great discounts* Later
on when the province was flooded with proclamation money,
the missionaries were paid in this. Mr. Moir, who was set-
tled in Edgecombe county, says that a missionary would do
very well, if it were not for the proclamation money. He
that he can get nothing for the bills in which his salary
aid. A The inhabitants also had the right to pay their
debts in rated commodities. In time of war, when it was
impossible to sell these commodities, they paid their debts
with them; in time of peace they paid in paper bills which
were of little real value. 1 1

*C. /,'.. Vnl. II.. ],. 12.

fC. /.'.. V<»1. L, p. 71' 1.
%0. />'.. Vol. II.. p. 122.
10. h\. Vol. II.. p. L'To.

H c. /,'.. Vui. iv.. p. 918,

IIC. A'.. Vol. iv.. p. 918 et seq.

20 James Sprunt Historical Publications

Missionaries received very little encouragement from the
people even in those things where assistance would have been
easy. They would not furnish glebes nor fence pastures for
them. As a result of having no fenced pastures, their horses
were often stolen or strayed ; and horses were very expensive.
Even if a missionary built his house and fenced his pasture
at his own expense, he did not know how soon he would have
to move. In this respect the lot of the missionary was worse
than that of the Methodist preacher of to-day. The people
claimed the right of induction because they said it was ex-
pressly granted to neither Crown nor governor.* They used
this right to dominate their minister. t The missionary was
not certain whether or not he would be retained beyond one
year. Thus he was forced to do his own fencing and build-
ing, and always run the risk of being put out the next year.

Why was it that these missionaries received no better sup-
port and encouragement? Apart from the unworthiness of
their character, which has already been discussed, there were
three main causes: the opposition of the Quakers and other
dissenters ; the poverty of the people ; and the unsettled con-
dition of the country.

Undoubtedly the opposition of the Quakers and other Dis-
senters was the greatest factor in the failure of the Society
in North Carolina. During Archdale's term as governor, the
Quakers gained in strength and influence until they were the
controlling power in the province. But things changed when
Archdale was succeeded by Henderson Walker. Walker was
a zealous Churchman, and at once set about getting an act
passed making the Church of England the Established
Church. This Act was passed in 1701; and immediately
aroused the opposition of the Quakers who determined to
elect a sufficient number of delegates to the next Assembly
to have this act repealed. They were saved the trouble, how-
ever, by the proprietors, who disallowed the act on the ground

* C. R., Vol. VIII., p. 14.
t C. R., Vol. IV., p. 754.

Junifs Sprunf Historical Puhl inil ions 21

that the thirty pounds per annum allowed by it was not suffi-
cient tor the support of a clergyman.*

This according to Mr. Weeks, was the first struggle for the
Establishment Mr. Weeks goes on to show that the second
struggle hegan with the second law making the Church of
England the Established Church, passed in 1704. From this
grew the Cary rebellion. Mr. Weeks shows that the Cary
rebellion was not merely a protest of the Quakers against the
requirement of an oath of allegiance to Queen Anne; but it
was a protest of the Quakers and numerous Dissenters of the
Colony "against the arrogance, pride and attempted oppres-
sion of the Churchmen."t "It was the rising of a free people
against the attempt of foreign and domestic foes to saddle on
them a church establishment with which they had no sym-
pathy." This opposition to the idea of an established church
thus early begun was continued until the Constitution of 1835
gave religious freedom.*

The poverty of the early settlers of North Carolina, even
where they were favorable to the Established Church, pre-
vented them from giving their missionaries proper support.
During the early period, the people had to struggle for an
existence. The inhabitants were reduced to poverty on ac-
count of the terrible Indian wars of 1711 and 1712 and on
account of having to support the Indian allies sent by the
governor of South CarolinaJ The French and Indian War
was very expensive, and left the colonists in a poor condition
for supporting ministers.^ The heavy taxes following the
French and Indian War made it impossible for the people to
give their clergymen proper support. 1 1 Thus as late as 1759,
we find churchwardens admitting that the salary paid their

* Weeks : The Religious Development in the Province of North (
Una. p. 32 et seq.

f Weeks : The Religious Development in the Province of North Caro-
lina, p.

t Weeks: OhUTOh and state in North Carolina, p. 8.

§r. R, v..!. II.. p, it; ,t seq.

10. R., Vol. VI.. p. 28a

|| C. R., Vol. VI.. p. '2?>2.

22 James Sprunt Historical Publications

missionary is very small, but they say that it is all that their
circumstances will permit them to pay.*

The country was kept in such an unsettled condition by
the Indian wars that the people could not give much en-
couragement to missionaries. Many of the inhabitants de-
serted their plantations and fled to Virginia and South Caro-
lina for protection. Dread of the Indians prevented the few
who remained from leaving their plantations to attend the
services of the missionary. Mr. Eainsford says that the
country is in such an unsettled condition athat very little
good can be expected from us."t

The parishes were very large, but so thinly settled that
they could not support a minister, t The people were settled
only along the water courses and at great distances from
each other. Mr. Adams says : "I have a very laborious mis-
sion, the places I preach at being some of them sixty, others
above seventy miles distant."§ Mr. Boyd's parish was one
hundred miles long and fifty miles broad. He says: "I
preach in seven different places which obliges me to ride
every month two hundred and sixty miles. "IT These long
journeys over bad roads and broken bridges, through the heat
of summer and the cold of winter, broke down the constitu-
tions of many missionaries.il When accounts of such hard-
ships reached England, very few were willing to offer their
services as missionaries to North Carolina.**

The conditions under which the Society conducted its work
in the province of North Carolina were indeed unfavorable.
It was profoundly ignorant of the country and the people
among whom it proposed to work. It could never recruit a
native clergy, familiar with the country and the people, be-
cause there was no bishop in North America. It numbered

* C. R., Vol. VI., p. 59.

t G. R., Vol. II., p. 16 et seq.

t C. R., Vol. II., p. 126 ; Vol. V., p. 31.

§ C. R., Vol. I., p. 721.

U C. R., Vol. IV., p. 7.

1 1 G. R., Vol. II., p. 76.

** Hatcks, Vol. II., p. 354.

James 8prunt Historical ratifications

among its missionaries many of unworthy character. It re-
ceived practically no support from the people of the province,
meeting with strong opposition from the Quakers and other
Dissenters and weak support from those who were nominally
of its faith. It was working in a thinly settled wilderness
where the physical dangers and hardships of travel were
great. Laboring under such unfavorable conditions, it is not
surprising that the Society accomplished nothing in the
province of North Carolina.

LETTEES OF JOHN RUST EATON.

EDITED BY

J. G. de Roulhac Hamilton.

LETTERS OF .JOHN KM ST KATON.

It is to Ik' fcurctted that bul little can be
tained of John Rust Eat<-n whose letters are Ik:1*' published.
He was the son of Colonel Oharlea Rust Eaton, of North
Carolina, a Revolutionary soldier, His own title of major
was probably of militia origin for titles "by courtesy" had
not then become the fashion. He probably was educated at
the University of Pennsylvania, and certainly in Philadel-
phia. He lived in Granville county on a large estate, where
he was a successful farmer. He was a lover of horses and
one of the earliest patrons of the turf in the State. He had
many fine horses in his stud, one, an imported stallion named
Columbus, bringing $10,000 at the sale which followed
Eaton's death.

}Ir. Eaton, like most of his contemporaries, was interested
in politics, but he took but little active part so far as holding
office is concerned. He served three terms, 1801, 1802 and
1812, in the House of Commons, where he was an active
member though not a leader. One or two of his votes are
interesting. In the session of 1801 he voted against the
division of Rowan county and against a constitutional con-
vention, thus showing his sympathy with the East. At the
same session he voted for a law prohibiting the further im-
portation of slaves into the State. In 1812 the Legislature
passed an act providing for the electors for President and
Yiee-President should be chosen on a general ticket. This
action met with vigorous opposition and many grand juries
protested. Eaton on the opening day of the session proposed
a resolution calling for an amendment to the Constitution
of the United States providing that electors should be chosen
uniformly by district throughout the United States, but to
offset the advantage gained by political opponents in other
states he voted the next day for a bill providing for their
choice by a general ticket.

28 James Sprunt Historical Publications

The letters here printed have been in the possession of the
North Carolina Historical Society for many years. They
are not of first importance, but are characteristic of the time
and throw light upon the feelings and sentiments of the
writers, four of whom were men of reputation: Benjamin
Williams in North Carolina, and Nathaniel Macon, William
H. Winder and James Winchester in the nation. Eaton's
intimacy with them speaks well for his ability and character.

W. H. Winder to John B. Eaton*

Nanticoke, January 18th 1794
Dear Friend

At length the long expected gratification has arriven. I
have received and read your welcome epistle ; and whilst my
heart throbs with the quick pulsations of friendship let me
take up my pen and scrawl the effusions of my fraternal sym-
pathy toward you in the unpolished yet sincere expressions
of my soul.

The converse of two persons linked together by the sacred
bonds of friendship stands, in my opinion, unrivalled in the
list of human pleasures. The extatic transports of a rewarded
lover cease to exist almost before they are enjoyed; and the
indiscriminate indulgence of a debauchee will quickly cloy

* William H. Winder was born in Somerset County, Maryland, on
February 18, 1775. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania, he
later studied law and went to Nashville, Tennessee, with the idea of
settling there, but the inducements not encouraging him, he returned
to Maryland, where he became prominent in his profession and in
politics. He was an ardent Federalist, and in 1811 was the unsuc-
cessful candidate for Congress from the Baltimore District. When
the War of 1812 was imminent, he volunteered and in March, 1812,
was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the Fourteenth U. S. Infan-
try. July 6, he became colonel and saw active service. At the battle
of Stony Creek, in 1813, he was captured by the British. After ex-
change he was appointed adjutant-general and was placed in com-
mand of the Tenth Military District. He was harshly criticised for
the defeat at Bladen sburg and the capture of Washington, but the
court martial ordered soon after commended him very highly for his
efforts. He retired in June, 1815. Later, he was twice a member of
the State Senate. He was a devoted Mason, and in 1814 was chosen
Grand Master of Maryland. Few men of his State have been so be-
loved by his contemporaries and he numbered among his intimates
such men as William Pickney, William Wirt, and Luther Martin.

James Sprunt Historical I' i / 1 > I ications 21)

the tnoel voracious appetite* Bui tifl friendship alone, d
to friendship mixed with love, thai produces pleasures which
neither the ups nor downs, the elevations nor depress!
nor all the whimsicality of fortune, no, nor aught but death,
all potent death, can cheek, or destroy — Such is the solid
Miss that flows from heavenly friendship, and such the pleas-
ures that I promise myself in your correspondence — Yes my
friend seriously speaking if in you I could find a Pylades in
me you'd find another Orestes — But away with protestations,
and let my conduct, the most genuine touchstone of intention,
be the criterion by which I am judged.

Four friendly solicitation for me to go and practice in
Carolina is by no means contradictory to my present expec-
tations. Tho any determination of that kind must be gov-
erned by the face of circumstances when I come forward to
the bar. There are some particular circumstances which I
have in contemplation upon the happening or not happening
of which I shall be principally if not altogether governed.
They are subjects rather of too delicate a nature to be com-
mitted to a letter of so uncertain a conveyance as I expect this
will have, otherwise I would with pleasure subject them to
the inspection of friendship.

The present session of congress must, I think, from our
situation produce something of importance. We have negoti-
ations of several different kinds now on hand with Brittain,
the event of which will considerably effect the U. S. Par-
ticularly with respect to those northern posts of ours which
they now have in their possession. A delivery of those will
throw the fur trade of all the back countries into our hands.
A detention of them must I suppose in the nature of things
produce a rupture. The plea which they have hitherto made
use of for detaining them being anihilated they must either
deliver them or do what is equivalent to an absolute denial
to release them.

I hope the conduct of our government has been such to the
French minister, as that our gallant ally can make no objec-
tion to it.

30 James Sprunt Historical Publications

Negotiations with Spain concerning the Navigation of the
Mississippi are, likewise, I believe, on foot, the issue of
which will, I suppose, be known this session. I hope we may
not be involved, yet at the same time I trust we shall not act
inconsistently with the honor due us as a Nation.

I have the pleasure my friend to tell you that as yet I
have not heard that the late affliction of Philadelphia has
wafted any acquaintance either of yours or mine to their
eternal abode, and I hope no such unwelcome news will ever
arrive.

The dialogue between Damon and Delia you have not, I
suppose, forgotten. Richmond now contains Damon, and
Petersburg, at the distance only of a few trifling miles, con-
tains the charming Delia. A change from a collegian to a
student of law and her subsequent reflection may have pro-
duced an alteration highly favorable to Damon; besides that
your increased experience in gallantry since that period, has
better initiated you in to the principles of cupidrial sieges —
But you knock this banter plump in the head by a declaration
which you have made in your favour respecting a rose of
exquisite beauty which the groves of Carolina contain and
that rugged mountain which you complain of as separating
your communicative organs will quickly be reduced to the
insignificant magnitude of a mole hill by your rapid strides
to the utmost altitude of towering Study. But take care
that in your toilsome journey up this rugged mount you do
not meet with Delia and be again precipitated to the lowest
abyss of the valley of love. But the limits of my paper advise
that I have not much more space to joke in and with wishing
that you may avoid this fascinating snare I will divert your
attention to something else.

A few days before I received your favor I had a letter
from our worthy friend Miss Jane ; she is quite well as well
as is also the old lady. When I write to her you shall not be
forgotten.

James Sprunt Historical Publicati 8 1

I concur with you in thinking that our chance of meeting
in the Western country is small. I would with pleasure ride
to ( larolina to see you altho I did not mean to fix my habita-
tion there; yet as it is probable you will frequently be going
to Philadelphia to stop at my humble dwelling will be nothing
out of your way. There you will find a heart that will wel-
e you with all the endearments of friendship & [word
missing'] you to depart bni in the greatest depth of sorrow.
1 ( you go upwards shortly call upon me, if not as you go at
least as you return. I would advise you to the latter because
you may get an immediate passage almost from there and
instead of being a circuitous passage it will be much more
direct than any other you can pursue. In the hopes of being
gratified in this my most ardent wish

I subscribe myself your unalterable friend

W. H. Winder
N.B. The enclosed expects a speedy conveyance to Delia.

John R. Eaton to Charles R. Eaton.

Eichmond May 14th 1794.
Dr Father.

By a late letter which came to hand from the Northward.
Colo. B.H. author, you may rely on it, that western lands
are of little value. The hopes of peace are very sanguine —
John Jay is appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of
London ; his orders are, to demand immediate restitution for
our captured Vessels, and the delivery of the Posts: if this
be complied with, we may have peace & its blessings but other-
wise England must be ruined ! France single and alone con-
tends with combined Europe, and with almost universal suc-
cess— There has been a motion made in the British house of
Parliament for peace with France, but it was negatived.
Mr. Fox, Sheridan, Landsdowne and fifty nine others, were
in favor of the motion, and displayed in the debate much
spirit, wisdom & moderation. They all lavish encomiums

32 James Sprunt Historical Publications

on this Country & its Government; But unless they make
restitution we can not be deluded into a dishonorable peace,
by deceitful praise —

I believe England is infatuated and that she is bound for
the coast of infamy & total wreck — The French have been
very successful in cruzing on the E. India coast, taking
from the English 68 valuable prizes — and in every other
part they are equally triumphant. They take vessels in sight
of the British Harbors — George trembles on his throne and
his hirelings uphold the War for a while, with the Wealth
of the injured Nation — The people are driven to despair,
destitute of labor and food ! They must soon revenge them-
selves— The combined powers are making great preperations
for this campa. and this will be the last. Seven hundred
thousand Frenchmen are under arms and a million more
ready in case of necessity. At Paris they manufacture 600
guns daily — what can hurt those industrious skillfull & in-
vincible Patriotts ? no dart that mortal hand can aim — Public
paper is now on the rise, but it will not continue so any length
of time — On my return, I went down to Mr. Potts's, where
I saw the new modelled Still — He was not at home, the in-
formation therefore which I give you comes from his young
man — and my own observation — It holds three hundred Gal-
lons, and runs off nearly four times a day. It makes four
times as much Spirit as the common Still to the same number
of Gallons contents — and near or quite four Gallons of
whiskey from one bushel of good grain — A few days ago it
run off one gallon of loe wine in four minutes, by the Stop
watch — It costs about two hundred & fifty pounds, with the
Cap & Spout, four times as large as common, and the worm
in the same proportion — One of two hundred gallons would
destill near 70 gallons of whiskey per day, at any rate twenty
thousand annually — An emensity of hoggs might be raised
from the wash, and with the Spirits, a sufficiency to command
eight or ten thousand dolls' annually — on the first glance of
thought, this estimate might appear chimerical but in my

./'inics Sprunt Historical Publications

humble opinion, it would be a wonderful income I will see
.Mr. Potts and know all the particulars when von can have
a more concise account Mr. iwtcli is nearly ou1 of the

Li-pox — all my Richmond friends were well -Oapt.
Ban d with some of our T in the W. Indies.

The French are augmenting their armies on the frontier

in which Country must be in eminent danger — This cam-
paign will end the War, and I believe in a glorious manner
for the French & ourselves — Tobo. is at 20 here, it will rise
a little in a few weeks, at Petersburg you can get eighteen,
and in three weeks a little more may be had — We are not
certain of peace; but even in case of peace Tobo. must be low.
Y«>n had better contrive your four hhds. down by the first
opportunity. It is idle on your hands, and would be of serv-

to Dr. B in the Spring Exportation — Wheal is at one
penny per pound — bacon by the small retail 9d and large
quantity 71 •> — corn in Petersburg 15. — From our late ac-
counts, France & Spain, are much in want of provisions —
Holland has asked a peace, but were denied, unless they
would do it on honble. terms.

A great number of people [word missing'] to the [word
| are emigrating to this Country from G. Britain.

Lplete anguish reigns in that unhappy Country, where
the true Patriotts are persecuted with unrelenting cruelty.
The revocation of the Edict of Nantes, by Louis XIII, peo-
pled England with silk Manufacturers. The war in Britain
will >wa\ many manufacturers to America. Several insurec-
tions have taken place in Scotland & Ireland but immediately
quelled — our Ports are preparing for defence in case of war —
Thomas Paine is now writing a piece (in prison) intitled the

Hire of sense — His papers were overhaFd but no plot
against the Republic was found, on the contrary, marks of
unshaken Patriotism— -Smith, Ames, Arnold & Pitt have b
burnt in Effegy at Charles Town — Their confessions are in-

34 James Sprunt Historical Publications

scribed — They all agree that Eternal punishment is due
Mr. Tabb is in Town & means to be inoculated —
I am dear Father your obt Son &c

John R. Eaton.

John R. Eaton to Charles B. Eaton.

Richmond 31st. May 1794.
Dear Father.

The unexpected information of a few days has induced
me to believe that we are on the eve of a sanguinary War.
The unexampled depredations of Britain mark the almost
total ruin of our Commerce; America's mourning, lonely
Flagg finds no place of security ; The oceian supports on her
bosom the Harbinger of Despotism, sworn to desolate the re-
gions of the afflicted World — But on the side of Canada, a
more serious attempt is made, to blast our honor & felicity —
Gov. Senicoe, with a considerable arm'd force, has already
marched to the Rapids of Miami,* to erect a fort at that
place, altho sixty miles within our boundaries — Representa-
tions have been made to the British Minister, at Phila — he is
evasive and labours to justify the cruelty of England! How
long oh America! cans't thou bare the lash of unrelenting
barbarity ! It is time to wake from thy Slumbers and guard
the Sacred Temple of Liberty ! Citizens of Collumbia, make
a Hecatomb of thy Enimies & their dark concealed Satilites —
Mark the Traitors' countenance and place loe in the cold
Grave all who aim a dart against the Vitals of their Country —

You have here the Presidents letter to Congress & those ac-
companying— read them seriously & say whether I am vio-
lent in my opinion — No Sir, we are too submissive too polite
to Tyrants: let us wage eternal War with all the enemies
of our heavenly Country — let us be acquainted with the
principles & not the persons of any people — We are young

* Maumee.

nes Sprint i Historical Publications 35

but lei as be mated, a- the collected barbaric world cannot
injure our liberties The Britaina yet condoum our Vessels

bul they shall pay for it by Starvation. — They wage war from
cold Canada, bu1 fchey will soon walk on the snowy earth in
humble Captivity — The hardy Sons of New England will
Lead them by the enchanting tune of Yankey Dudlc —

An Act has pas'd for raising & organizing 80,000 Militia. A
hord of British Privateers infest our Coast — Our Seamen in
the W. Indies, expiring under the weight of sickness, from
confinement on board of crowded prison Ships. Did you
ever believe that America would have permitted her chosen
Sons to sink to the unatural grave with Silence, at the hands
of her enemies — But alas! it is a Melloncholy fact — in the
remotest regions of the Universe our Flagg is disregarded,
except to Oppress its Owners. I must believe that a war is
inevitable. My spirit of revenge persues in nightly dreams,
the accursed purpetrators of such inumerable crimes. The
horrors of war are always to be lamented; but a revolution
will wrest from their lurking places the Mamons of super-
stion & disaffection — Stock Jobing, funding & traitorous
men will no longer under mine, in darkness, the foundations
of our liberty — Light will shine upon all, and all will be
known. — and, all who deserve will be chastized — Mysterie's
veil will be rent in twain, & her inhabitants equalized with
the mass of mankind — We must be brave, just, merciful to
the unfortunate & severe on the wicked — If our slaves at-
tempt to make an insurrection, we must make awful ex-
amples— Tories are entitled to no quarters ; they destroy our
Unity & our Strength. One is equal to two enemies: we
loose a citizen and have a foe in the same person— her

discant on this subject wou'd tire your patience. You hate
Brittain & love America, you can judge of & feel the suffer-
- of your beloved Country. When necessity requires I am
ready for the field of glory.

36 James Sprunt Historical Publications

The French are very successf ull ; in a late battle with the
Prussians, they killed six thousand of the latter, gaining a
complete victory: they have taken several Towns in Spain —
& a vast number of Vessels at Sea. Their Armies are twelve
hundred thousand strong. Provisions a little scarce, but not
bordering on absolute want — They stand firm in their prin-
ciples and defy the surrounding world of Despotts. Our last
accounts from Europe say that Spain, has withdrawn from
the League, it may not be true; it is a matter of no consi-
quence; the French will be in Madrid this Summer, unless
accidents occur — It is also said that a force has landed to
invade England — it may also be fase. I heard from Col.
B.H, last night, he is well — I am studying Baron's Abridge-
ment attentively — shall be at home late this fall. The May
wheat is in this quarter is already ripe. Col. Temple from
Carolina, tells me it is superior to any other kind: from 9
bushels, he made 225 weight 65 per bushl. Robt Park is
here. The Sharks win the races — they are fine horses — I
am in great health — How are my Sisters Have you had rain,
is the crop good ? Is there a Mast ? How are the colts ? I
have trespas'd on your patience for wc. I ask your pardon.

That you May be happy is the wish of
Your Republican Son

John Rust Eaton.

W. H. Winder to John R. Eaton.

Petersburg October 26th 1797
My Dear Friend

I am thus far on my way to the State of Tennessee ; where
I shall spend this winter in examining its elegibility for my
profession — I have for some time contemplated a removal
from the Eastern Shore of Maryland both on account of its
being so unhealthy and as offering but a small compensation
for the Labors of the Law. I had qualified there and had

James SprutU Historical Publications W

flattering prospects of success; but the emoluments of tbe

practice were too inconsiderable to satisfy my ambition —

r determining on a removal I made considerable exertion

tain the best in format ion I could to determine me in my

ice. The result of it baa been to determine me to

lessee a1 all events and it" my information has heen true

shall seat myself there —

This being about the time of your annual visit to this place
1 was in hopes I should have met you here. My disappoint-
ment has however been in some degree softened by meeting
with several of your friends and acquaintances here, who
have been able [to] satisfy my wishes of hearing from you
in many particulars — Coin. Williams & Major Taylor both
arrived here the same evening I did of whom I have made
particular inquiries concerning you — They inform me you
have become the indefatigably industrious farmer and have
entirely deserted the law — I should like to follow your ex-
ample, but my fate for some time at least must be other
wise — Propitious fortune will however I hope one day or
other permit me to live as I please and not as necessity com-
pels me —

The two gentlemen I have mentioned wish me to take
Xorth Carolina in my way; but as it would divert me too
far from my track I must sacrifice the inclination T have to
comply with their wishes — It is not impossible however hut
I may pay you a visit in the Spring on my return to Mary
land —

I found our old friend Miss Duncan in fine health and
spirits and I think much improved in beauty — You I
frequently heen the subject of our conversation and she ■
firms the information of your transform at inn —

I shall Bend this by Majr. Taylor who will leave he
Sunday, aboul which time I shall move on westernly by the
way of Richmond — You shall hear from me in the course of
as often as I can find an opportunity & hope you

38 James Sprunt Historical Publications

will not entirely forget me — You will direct your favors to
Knoxville —

Believe me ever your Friend

Wm. H. Winder.

James Winchester* to John R. Eaton.

Cragfont 9th Dec 1801
Dear Jack:

Your favors of the 30th March and 26th of October last
Severally came to hand in due season. I delayed answering
them in hopes at the November term a decision would have

* James Winchester was born in Baltimore County, Maryland, in
1752. Nothing is known of his early life, but he was a soldier in the
Revolution and rose to the rank of lieutenant in 1778 in the Mary-
land Infantry. He was taken prisoner by the British some time dur-
ing the war, but was exchanged. In 1783 he settled in Sumner County,
near Gallatin, Tennessee, and was prominent in driving out the In-
dians whose hostility menaced the weak settlement.

In 1794 he was a member of the Legislative Council of Tennessee,
and in 1796 was unanimously chosen Speaker of the first Senate of
the State. In 1799 he was appointed Judge of the United States
Court for the District of Maryland, and qualified, succeeding William
Poca, but he did not hold the position long, returning to Tennessee,
where he remained until 1812, when he was appointed brigadier-
general. He superseded General William Henry Harrison at Fort
Wayne, and this almost precipitated a mutiny as the soldiers were
devoted to Harrison, and, disliking Winchester for his aristocratic
tendencies, feared that he would be more severe. Later, when Harri-
son was given supreme command, Winchester commanded the left
wing of his army. His force captured Frenchtown, on Raisin River,
Michigan, and there he was surprised and captured by Proctor, and
most of his command massacred by the Indian allies of the British.
Winchester was taken to Quebec and afterwards, in 1814, exchanged.
In 1815 he was in command of the United States forces at Mobile.
He resigned in 1815 and retired to his home, where he lived in great
comfort and luxury until his death, July 27, 1826. His only public
service during this time being the running of the Southern boundary
line of the State in 1819.

General Winchester was a large land-owner. "Cragfont," his Sum-
ner county estate on Bledsoe Creek, was a splendid piece of property,
and the house still stands, though it has passed from the family.
He was also one of the proprietors of Memphis, holding one-eighth
for himself and one-eighth for his brother's children. He married
Miss Susan Black, and twelve children — six sons and six daughters —
were born to them. Major Marcus B. Winchester, the first mayor of
Memphis, was his son, and General E. W. Rucker of the Confederate
Army was a grandson.

General Winchester was held in great esteem by his contemporaries,
and the county-seat of Franklin perpetuates his name.

James Sprit n I Historical Publications 89

taken place in Mr. Scaivvs vV: your case and that I might
oammunicate the result but procrastination hath again taken
place, owing to an unusual number of criminals, the trial of
whome Occupied the court nearly the whole term. Your
demurrer was not even Argued — tho, Mr. Overton seems to
rely most on the proof of the deed made from Merrit to You,
and for that purpose a commission is ordered to issue to take
Mr. R. Cookes deposition, it will probably be inclosed to you,
to attend — Major Wilsons is taken on the subject — another
claim is set up to the same land By an assignee of Col. Barton
which rests upon Merrits not Surveying according to Loca-
tion, this claim I am told will be Set up as soon as a decision
takes place between you and Mr. Searcy —

Crops of cotton here this year are beyond all former calcu-
lation. Some as great as 2000 pounds to the acre, very little
under one thousand; this at four pound in the seed for one
of clean cotton which Sells here for 15 and 20 dollars per
hundred, makes the planters hold up their heads. —
corn crops are lighter than ever known in this country, it
now Sells from 33 1-3-100 to 40-100 per bushell — The ag-
grandizement of the Britishe Navy must be a Subject of
Serious concern to the nations of this world for until it is
humbled perfect liberty of the Sea is not to be expected —

I congratulate you on your matrimonial union; formed
with deliberation and your good sence; must carry with it
Exstatich enjoyment.

The Young Quaker you mention adds to my desire of
visiting you; Your description of her is desirable especially
So when gilt with $40,000 — But 18 years I am afraid is too
young — make my respects to your Lady & to your Father.

Health and happiness.
Mr. J. R. Eaton J. Winchester

40 James Sprunt Historical Publications

James Somervell to John R. Eaton.

Princeton 30th December 1801.
Dear Sir —

An immediate answer to all their letters; and an extra-
letter, when anything important comes under our observation ;
are debts, which it will be readily acknowledged, our friends
may always claim with the utmost propriety. Therefore, I
consider myself bound to answer your letter of the 18th.
which arrived last night, by the very first succeeding post,

I am pleased with the decision of our assembly concerning
the Judiciary bill; and their compliance with the resolution
of Maryland concerning the proposed amendment to the Fed-
eral Constitution evinces a disposition to place upon an equal
footing every state in the Union. Party-spirit will, no more,
I trust, at the return of the period for the election of presi-
dent, take advantage of a casual elevation. But each state
will have a fair opportunity of choosing electors of her own
sentiments. The conduct of Pennsylvania, New York, Vir-
ginia, Connecticut all, at the last election, loudly points out
the necessity of Federal interposition for the prevention of
future scenes of a similar disgraceful nature. — If it be not
improper to elevate junior officers of Militia over the heads
of their seniors ; at least, if such has not been the proceedure
of our Legislature; that strong exposition of the Legislative
politics, gives me a lively hope that !N".C. is not less Kepubli-
can, than any of her Sister states.

I lament that the peace, while it gives much pleasure to
all who are actuated by the genuine feelings of humanity,
should, nevertheless, have produced no alteration in the favour
of the planters. But I still hope, that notwithstanding the
seeming depression of the prices of the planter's produce, it
is nothing more, than the consequence of those, who from the
expectation of the continuance of the war, had amassed &
almost monopolised — I say I believe it is the consequence
of these men selling out immediately upon the conclusion
of the peace — and, therefore, that before the beginning of

James Spruni Historical Publications 41

rammer, Every southern Btaple- especially Rioe & Tobacco,
will be considerably enhanced, as to their prices. I give

lie opinion of most of our Merchants in this Part of the
Country.

1 know not my dear Major, whether I feel so much inter-

! for Miss Guion as at the time I last wrote you; but,

however, I shall always be very glad to hear of her situation. —

The small confinement I experienced, while the Measles
were on me, appears to have increased my love of liberty and
of happiness. Heavens! what a zest does deprivation give
to the appetite, what a relish for pleasure and society does
the young mind acquire after a few disappointments. After
having been confined for a week, with one of the most loath-
some of diseases, forbidden to view the light of heaven, com-
manded not to touch those things which titillate the palate,
seeing nothing but fidget ting nurses, troublesome, teazing old
women, and bloody-minded doctors, how does the heart pant
in "ii the regaining of its liberty, how does the prospect of
the ensuing pleasures of health thrill the system with rap-
ture, and empurple the joyful cheek ! Yes. Heaven is my
witness — confinement seems to me more irksome than death!
Since my recovery, during the Christinas holidays, I have
enjoyed life — And yet I have not gambled, or been drunk, or
guilty of any debauchery. "Is it possible?" Sir — it is.
And if a youth of 18 cannot enjoy the most transcend [ing?]
happiness in the company of the lively and sensible of one
sex, and of the chaste and beautiful of the other, then let him
be pronounced — unfit for friendship, ill-calcnlated for ex-
istence, poor in the resources of pleasure. I have paid a most
-ant visit to Trenton: the particulars, however, as they
could not amuse you — I forbear to recite. We danced; and
women were pretty, and agreable. "Enough," cries the
enthusiastic for the females — 'Enough,' you must have been
happy.'

Four affecti James Sombbveix.

N. I). Susan La too careless of my love, to wish for my
remembrance — J. S.

42 James Sprunt Historical Publications

James Winchester to John R. Eaton.

Cragfont 17th. Sep. 1802
Dear Sir

Yesterday I received your favor of the 2 2d. ultimo —

Mr. Overtoil* sent me Mr. Searcys amended bill and I
enclosed it to you soon after my last letter which you have
acknowledged the receipt of ; I have therefore confidance You
have received it before now. time enough for you to send
your answer to Nashville before Court, which is on the second
Monday in November But if it should so happen that you
should not receive it in time, there will be an absolute neces-
sity for Your personal attendance at Court, or Mr. Searcys
amended bill will be taken pro. confissco. in which case I
shall calculate on the pleasure of seeing you once more at
Cragf ont. and not other ways for some years ; for I well know
your domestic attachments (or think I do).

There is a good crop of cotton now growing on your Bar-
tons Creek place, when you gain it I will give you a more
particular discription —

The defection of Mr. Burr is Execrated by all grades of
people in this country even by the Federalists —

Make my respects to Your Father also make them accept-
able to Mrs. Eaton and rely on my Steady disposition to
Serve You. — Your ob' Servant

John R. Eaton Esqr. J. Winchester.

James Somervell to John R. Eaton.

Baltimore November 3d 1802.
My dear Sir —

I am, from Mr. Keene, to tender you his thanks and con-
sideration for your good opinion. Poor fellow ! he is, I fear,
much more reduced in circumstances than is generally
known. When I first saw him he had a fine watch, but now

* Probably John Overton.

J times S/ininf Historical Publications 43

he seems to think (Unquestionably with propriety) that in
fawn, a watch is unnecessary. — The arrival of Tom Paine
has excited here no small degree of attention: but the popu-
lar indignation appears to be turned from him to the public
character who has invited to our land the unprincipled slan-
derer of Washington. Paine is, indeed, a great sot. How
applicable are those charming lines of Armstrong to this
miserable creature.

"Your friends avoid you ; or if one remain
To wish you well, he wishes you in Heaven.
Despis'd, unwept you fall ; who might have left
A sacred, cherish'd, sadly-pleasing name ;
A name still to be uttered with a sigh.
Your last ungrateful scene has quite effaced
All sense and memory of your former worth."

L. 4. 1. 211. Art of Health.

It is thought that, after paying a visit to the president, he
will retire to his estate in New Jersey, and spend the re-
mainder of his life in obscurity — "& oblivion." —

Accept my congratulations upon your success. It must,
indeed be a disagreeable life; and, surely, the 4th. victory
must amply satisfy the most sanguinary conqueror.

What think you, my dear Major, of the charges lately ex-
hibited against our Chief Magistrate? — Can it be possible
that the man I have reverenced for his integrity, and almost
adored for his patriotism, — has dared to violate every law
of God and nature ? — Could the man who professed to esteem
above all the world "our first and greatest revolutionary char-
acter" be self-conscious of having hired a callender to abuse
him — of having admired, largely contributed to, and liberally
paid for, a book that made even the warmest of Washington's
enemies cry out "shame" on the author? — Could he, when
left to guard the wife of his friend, basely attempt her
honour ? — When invited to the house of another friend, could
he villainously make use of his inmacy to seduce the partner
of that friend's bosom ? — Could he bring a "black miss of his
own keeping" into the company of his innocent children? —
Could he esteem our Washington, "& yet have a sincere

44 James Sprunt Historical Publications

friendship & affectionate attachment" for the detested Tom
Paine ? — Or are all those crimes basely laid to the charge of
a virtuous patriot? — Alas! much I fear the proof of them
all is too irrefragible. — For the honour of Human Nature,
for the Honour of America I hope they will be disproved.
The Man who is devoid of private honour — the Hypocrite, &
the adulterer, — cannot be worthy of public confidence. — The
Democrats seem confounded at the charges : — if they be true
Jefferson must sink under the weight of ignominy — It is ex-
pected that Kodney's* election will be contested in Congress :
upon what grounds I have not heard. —

The prices of commodities in Baltimore are much the same
as when I wrote upon the subject before. — Goods have fal-
len.— Tobacco looks up; but tis only very little. — But the
failure of Crops will undoubtedly very much enhance the
price. Your crops were destroyed by the rain — those in
Maryland have suffered much for the want of rain. —

I proceed but slowly in acquiring the law. I hope, how-
ever, by this time two years to have read so much, as to enable
me to learn the practical part of it in three or four months.
By the bye I mix reading as rum, — and writing as water —
in Mr. Harper's office. But if I do not practice in Maryland,
of what service will the practical part of Maryland Law be
to me ? — I am, nevertheless inclined to think, that, there will
be as good an opening in Maryland as any where else. — I
should prefer Jersey but no money is to be made there. —
North Carolina is out of the question. — I wish I had my
father's opinion on the subject. What do you & Susan
think?—

God bless you, your wife, & the little Charles is the fervent
prayer of

Yours always James Somervell.

Major Eaton.

* Probably Thomas Rodney, of Delaware, who was about this time
appointed by Jefferson United States Judge for the Territory of Miss-
issippi.

J 'iinrs Sjnuul 1 1 isiorical Publications 45

.fames Winchester to John R. Eaton.

( i,\. iont 15th Dec. 1805
1 h \i: SlB

Your favor <>f th<> 26th of October last, was reed in due
course of mail and the answer put off for the rising of tin*
Courts in hopes to have had it in my power to congratulate
vou on the final and fortunate event of your Suits, with
Searcy and Hendricks; but I am sorry to say I am disap-
pointed the causes for not coming to trial is detailed in a
letter to Mr. Smith Your council have all the papers, and of
course all the evidence they want and say they have no doubt
of a fortunate issue when trial is obtained — I can only ob-
serve that the procrastination in no instance is owing to neg-
lect or inattention on my part but that through every Stage
of this lengthy Suit I have paid the same attention to it as if
it had been my own —

This side of the mountain affords no news at present ; the
rumour of a Spanish war is not disagreeable to the people
here. We have no objection to its being realized —

I hope your Coe De Lion Filly did herself honor at the
Sweepstake at Williamsboro.

So uncommonly scarce has cash become in this country that
all my time is taken up endeavoring to collect dubious debts —

Cotton crops is a little above mediocrity, price $17 baled.
Tobacco very little raised, at 3.50 per cwt. I think the vast
addition of Territory acquired by the late Treaties together
with the scarcity of mony will cause a depression in the price
of Land here, and open a door to monied Gentlemen for hand-
some Speculations in a twelve month more —

Respectfully remember me to your father and accept for
yourself and family the Salutations of a friend.

J. Winchester.

46 James Sprunt Historical Publications

James Winchester to John B. Eaton.

Cragfont 3d Sep. 1806.
Dear Sir

Your favor of the 28th ultimo is reed, from which I per-
ceive you had not received (when you wrote) ; my letter in-
forming of the Situation of your Suits with Searcy & Hen-
dricks as well as Len Jones progress in payment &c which you
have reed, ere this no doubt. I therefore forbear to repeat the
contents —

The General assembly of this State is now in session and is
employed about a Land bill, which will probably pass into
a law. it contemplates a Board of Commissions to decide on
the Legality of all claims ; its therefore probable no warrants
can be entered for sometime after the assembly rises; The
lands generally that was purchased of the Cherokee & Chicka-
saw Indians at the last Treaties is by no means equal to the
land on Cumberland and Harpeth besides (that on Duck
excepted) is not as convenient to navigation Which in my
opinion adds greatly to the value of land. But it must be
admitted that the range is equal to any in the Western world ;
of course an eligible situation to such as make Stock their
principal object

Cotton and Tobacco at present is the chief aim of all here
who have any body to labour ; the prices last year at Orleans
were nattering Cotton from 20 to 24 cents lb. Tobacco 5%
to 6 cents per lb. — If you have any Serious Thoughts of
residing in this Country. I would recommend a purchase of
land convenient to the navigation of Cumberland river, and
if your object is to realize for your Son; or Sons then pur-
chase within the Indian boundary —

With relation to Doubleheads reserve I know little about
it and would not hazard a purchase of hinij Tho he has sold a
considerable quantity to Citizens of this State and received
their property —

James Sprit nf Historical Publications 47

Locations in tli<v Chickasaw Teritory on Forked Doer and
Woolf river where the Land is good T should suppose to be

worth 50 cents per acre Hut it is not probable that the Indian
Title will there be soon extinguished.

A handsome situation of 1,000 or 1500 acres could now
be purchased in the vicinity of Bledsoes Lick; at from
to eight dollars per acre With tolerable improvements, three
or four good Springs and near one hundred acres of clear
land — So great is the rage for Settling on Duck & Elk rivers,
that I am inclined to think land will fall in its price on
Cumberland ; and that the ensuing winter will be a favorable
time to purchase. —

This last Summer has been the wetest ever known in this
country Since its first Settlement the crops are Generally
very good But if the rains continue the Cotton will be in-
jured— corn 125 cents Bll —

Kemember me respectfully to your father and to Mrs.
Eaton, and believe me It is my sincere wish to see them &
you Citizens of Cumberland I already anticipate the pleasure
of seeing you at my Cottage this fall, Make my respects to
Mr. Smith and accept for Yourself the consideration
of my Esteem & regard

J. Winchester.

James Winchester to John R. Eaton.

Cragfont 14th April 1808
Dear Sir

Your favor of the 22 d of February came to hand in due
time and ought to have been noticed sooner but a multiplicity
of business in gloomy times since my return from the North-
ward must be my Apology.

Searcys suit against you is not yet tried. It is my inten-
tion to attend our next Superior Court to be held next' month
when I shall not forget it; nor shall anything in my power
be lacking to bring it to issue and favorable decision.

48 James Sprunt Historical Publications

Your Bartons Creek plantation was last year rented for
corn and is again this year my reason for so doing was ; that
I thought it possible you or some of your friends might
change a sterile (as I have understood great parts of North
Carolina to be) for a fertile spot and that it would be an
object to have corn convenient, Cash it could not be rented
for and Cotton as it has turned out ; that is under the present
circumstances of the U.S. would not command Mony.

Last years rent corn is not yet sold, nor will it bring one
dollar cash pr Barrel, Without advice on the subject I have
thought it best to contract for no improvements on your
plantation except the clearing a little land that was included
within what had once been a fence. My reason is improve-
ments are Seldom paid for in the Sale of Lands and if ever
you occupy it yourself Such improvements as I could get
made by a Tenant would not please you or even myself. —

I have not explored any part of Louisiana but this I can
tell you that part through which White river and St. Francis
flows, is not here at this time held in great estimation. Red
river has more Celebrity than any part of that most extensive
country, of the Obian I can say nothing having never visited
that part and it is rarely talked of here the Indian title not
being extinguished nor likely to be It solicits the Eye of
none. —

Make my respects to your father tell him if he really pro-
poses to Visit this Country to make arrangements for moving
his whole family That after visiting it he will not easily
reconcile raising Tob. and corn in N.C.

Respectfully remember me to Mrs. Eaton tell her I still
hope to have the pleasure to introduce her to my little family ;
uncultivated tho I hope innocent and for yourself accept
My sincere regard & Esteem

J. Winchester.

.fumes Sjirunf Historical Publications 49

James Winchester to John I!. Eaton.

Cragfont 11th .July 1808
Dear Sib

Four favor of the 26th of May last is at hand. My last
which I trust you have received before now has informed
you of the cause your Suit with Searcy is not yet terminated,
The time, nor money, I have expended in your business should
not give you any [un] easiness, the latter is but a trifle and
the former is a pleasure when given to the service of an absent
friend, I had anticipated that it would not be displeasing to
your father to apply to your credit the Money or monies
worth reed from Len Jones on his account (to Wit) $128 :31.
If I live to see your Suit with Searcy ended I will render
you an account; before (at present) to me it is unnecessary
especially as I hope and believe much longer it cannot be
procrastinated I have notes for your rent corn to be paid
next fall. Your land is worth 3% dollars pr acre or four
dollars. I consider it worth very little less on account of
Mr. Searcys claim Your land on Obian I can give no opinion
about, having never been in that part of the country ; This I
can say that it is not probable the Indian title will soon be
extinguished there; Tho that will not diminish its value to
you, if you mean to keep it for your children as in all human
probability the Indians will abandon that country before
your Sons arrive at maturity.

Jeremiah Hendricks who was by a Suit of Ejectment dis-
possessed of your Bartons Creek Land, Instituted a Suit by
original attachment for what he deemed the value of his im-
provement $225.00 and he conducted it with so much secrecy
that I knew nothing of it untill within a few days of the
Sale. I immediately waited on one of the Judges and pro-
cured a writ of Error & Supersedus and therewith Stoped
further proceedings for the present. Hendricks now proposes
to leave it to two or three disinterested persons to ascertain
the sum he is legally entitled to for his improvement if he

50 James Sprunt Historical Publications

and I cannot agree upon it. to which I have agreed with the
advice of Mr Smith who I hope is at home safe with his
family at this time.

Inclosed is the bill of Sale of William Pittman and Tabitha
his wife or rather their release and qnit claim to certain
negroes you purchased of H. G. Burton

In common with all Southern States we feel the weight
of the Embargo Law. But it is borne with great Magnan-
imity; Scarcely a murmur escapes from the brest of any.
Believing as we generally do here; that it was the best and
wisest measure our Government could adopt. Mr. Madison
for President will get all that is a Unanimous Vote from this
State.

Accept for yourself and family assurance of my sincere
regard & Esteem J. Winchester.

Nathaniel Macon to John R. Eaton.

Washington 21 Jany 1809
Sir

The letter which you wrote to me on the 12 — instant has
been received; The request contained in it will cheerfully
be attended to; There is no vacant office of the grade you
mention in the troops authorized to be raised at the last ses-
sion of Congress; It is however expected that an additional
number may be authorized before Congress adjourn; If so
Capt. Jones' wish shall be communicated to the War De-
partment.

It would afford me great pleasure, could I inform you
what would be the final result of the deliberations of Congress
on our foreign relations, but it is impossible;

I am with great respect

Sir yr. most obt. Sert

Nathl. Macon.

James Sprunt Historical Publications 51

James Somervell to John R. Eaton.

Springfield, Robertson C. Ten. July 3. 1809
M v dear Sir,

I had the pleasure of delivering your letter to Gen. James
Winchester in person on Saturday morning last at his elegant
seat near Gallatin. I am much pleased with the style of my
reception, and found the Genl. very much disposed to be
hospitable, and entirely your friend He in-
formed me that your letter required at that time no answer ;
and after breakfast time not allowing me to stay any longer, he
politely rode with me to Gallatin. The land to which Col.
Eaton has the best claim is still hung up in court, is very
valuable, likely to be decided at the next term, and doubtless
in the CoPs Favour. — I shall begin to inspect Dr. B's & Dr.
Y.'s lands to-day — (for I am agent for both.) Genl. Johnson
has the business in such a train as I hope will give me less
trouble than I at first apprehended. My best love to your
family and my mother, and would write her again, but I am
so irregular in my movements as to prevent it. I shall not
write to her again probably this month or the next,

I am &c James Somervell

Major J. R. Eaton.

I cannot tell when I shall go to Nashville, or when I shall
see Mr. Goodloe. When I do I will write you, and you may
rest assured I will consult your interest more than my ease.

J. S.

James Winchester to John R. Eaton.

Cragfont 8th Augt 1809.
Dear Sir

I have forebore to write you since the siting of our last
Federal Court at Nashville because it was unpleasant to re-
peat a tale that I knew could not be agreeable to you every
man is anxious to obtain Justice at some period and your

52 James Sprunt Historical Publications

suit has been so often continued that your patience must be
worn to the quick Its however due to your council for me to
say that I consented to the last continuance for reasons to
my mind conclusive, tho not proper to be wrote at this time
Captain Cooke has no doubt communicated them to you,
Judge Overton has reed but one fee yet (to Wit) $25 — paid
him at first and I do not know that he will expect any more.
Having transfered the charge of the Suit to Judge White
and Stipulated that you Should pay him $50 — the Amount
of the additional fee he required if he had conducted the Suit
to its final determination himself. I therefore suppose he
expects no more But you know the disposition of Lawyers
better than I do having Studied Law yourself (as I am in-
formed)

Calculating certainly on a final decission next term and a
Just one too I have inclosed a bill of my disbursements on
your account including $50 dollars to be paid to Judge
White. If you can conveniently remit the balance of
$75.39% to my brother William Winchester of the City of
Baltimore it will oblige me, But if more convenient to you
to send it here, do so, its not material to me at which place
the remittance is made.

No price for produce here mony of course extremely scarce.
The late British orders in Council, the paper blockade of the
continant of Europe has all the effect of the former orders
in counsil aided by our own Embargo & nonintercourse, It
it to be lamented that the tenth Congress had not had more
firmness and continued the Embargo &c and with the Strong
arm of Government have coerced the insurgents in New Eng-
land to obediance It would have given a character of stability
to Government that in my humble opinion would not have
been only more dignified but Substantially useful to the
nation.

James Sprunt Historical Publications 53

I)C so good as to make inv respects to your father & to your
good Lady and accept for your self the

consideration of my Sincere regard & Esteem.

J. Winchester.

Robert Marion* to John R. Eaton.

Washington 23d April 1810
Dear Sir,

You will readily forgive my seeming neglect in not sooner
acknowledging your favor of the 4th March when I inform
you that it did [not] reach me until Friday last. It is a
matter of gratefull satisfaction to us to find that we are held
in kind remembrance by you & Mrs. Eaton. I wish it was
in our power to pay you a visit on our return home. But we
shals be obliged to hurry home as expeditiously as possible in
hopes Mrs. Marion may get to Charleston in time to see her
Sister, who is in ill health & expects to sail from that port
in the latter end of next month for New Port for the recovery
of her health. They have not seen each other for more than
2 years. We have no idea of going this Summer to the
Springs & sincerely hope you may never have occasion to go
there again in search of health. Congress has received much
censure for their conduct during this Session. I acknowledge
there has been shamefull waste of time in the dispatch of our
business, owing to the rage of making long speeches. I am
very sorry to find that Mr. Macon's vote on Giles* resolution
has been misunderstood by many well meaning men. The
Federal Editors did not publish his speeches but took special
care to publish his vote & the speeches of the Federal Gentle-
men. Which led many to suppose that he voted against the

* Robert Marion was a member of Congress from South Carolina
from 180H to 1*1".

fThe Giles' n-solution was one introduced in 1810 by Senator Wil-
liam B. Gilts of Virginia reprobating the conduct of Francis J. Jack-
son, the British Minister, and coupling with the censure an endorse-
ment of President Madison's action in regard to him.

54 James Sprunt Historical Publications

motion for the reasons assigned by them. Nothing could be
further from the truth. He was as indignant at the conduct
of Jackson as any of those who voted for the resolution & he
expressed himself at length to that effect. But as he had
always been opposed to all addresses to Presidents & to all
approbatory resolutions of their conduct ; to be consistent with
his uniform conduct heretofore he was compelled to vote as
he did. You very justly observe that France & England from
their superior power are able to keep us in the back ground.
Neither is it in our power to prevent them by the use of force.
To enter into the European war at this time on either side
would in my opinion be bad policy. The State of Europe
differs so much from any former period that we can draw
no lessons from history to guide us in our present course.

Mrs. Marion desires her love to Mrs. Eaton & yourself, in
which I unite & request that you will tell the children how
'du' for us.

I am with sincere regard & respect yours —

Eobt Marion
John E. Eaton Esq;

Benjamin Williams* to John B. Eaton.

Moore County
Ketreat 8th Jany. 1812
My dear Major,

Your highly pleasing letter of the 20th Oct. was duly reced.
and brought to my remembrance how dear you are and ever
have been to me, long since reply would have been made but

* Benjamin Williams was born in North Carolina in 1754. He
reached the rank of colonel in the Revolution, and in 1793 was a
member of Congress. In 1799 he succeeded William R. Davie as
governor and served till 1802. In 1807 he again was chosen and
served one term. At the close of his term as governor he served one
year as State Senator. He died in 1814. He was a resident of Moore
county, where he was a most successful farmer. He was a man of
small pretensions and only moderate ability, but of a most elevated
character.

James Sprit nt Historical Publications 55

iilhvuys without anything interesting to communicate, well
knowing that my silence would not be imputed to forgetful-
ness of you or yours; am still without anything worth telling
you but Mr. Morven is starting to your Neighborhood and I
cannot forego so favorable an opportunity of renewing to you
my affections. — Yes Morven leaves me this moment in persuitf
of better Business than what he has had with me these many
years; I wish him most sincerely success & hope he may not
be mistaken; I shall ever do him the justice to say he is the
cleverest man in all the Business in which I have employed
him that I have ever met: the last years crop has proven to
me what I often observed to him, that no one Man could
superintend to best advantage the number of Hands he had
the care of, in our sort of croping Cotton, Corn &c.&c. but he
was of a different opinion; I say it is proved to me because
with 14 prime Hands less than the year before, together with
being under the disadvantage of moving to my Mills, march-
ing & countermarching, we have made more Crop, having
now all complete & could have been by this time at Market
with such as is sold commonly upwards of 20,000 lbs clean
baled Cotton, 550 bushells Wheat 800 barrells Corn & about
1000 bushls. Oats. — I am here alone except my Son endeavor-
ing to put under way a New Overseer who I believe will do
the best he can, but he is ignorant and destitute of any Edu-
cation— I have been here these ten days when I left Town
flour, Wheat & flaxseed were the only Articles that could be
sold, Tobo. & Cotton blowed [ ?] on at $.2 per Cwt. & 8 Cents,
but a Day or two ago I reed, a Letter from my Merchant at
Wilmington who says by last Mail he reed. Letters from
Liverpool Cotton had taken a considerable rise there ; in con-
sequence of this information that article at Fayette started
to 10 cents and brisk, but nothing favorable of Tobo. before
I left Town had sent to Wilmington upwards of 300,000 feet
Boards for which my Merchant expected from $12 to 13 per
M. I have now ready upwards of 100,000 which as soon as
the water rises in Cape Fear shall send down & continue so

56 James Sprunt Historical Publications

to do with good luck every Month that quantity — Well what
shall I tell you next, nothing but what concerns myself which
cannot be amusing to any other person, I had almost deter-
mined to quit making Cotton but if 12 Cents can be had I
shall persue it tho' on a smaller scale than usual; Wheat I
could make to advantage but I expect in future that Article
will be low & indeed know not what will be best; with you
Hemp I have hopes will continue a great Article, but here
much of our Lands are not adapted to its growth. — I believe
I have the best 3 year old Colt ever bred in N.C. he came out
of old Willie Jones' Diomed mare by Phoenix, tho in bad
condition, at Salisbury in October under the management of
Hogan (to whom I had lent him with a view of selling, for
I have nothing to do with racing) he beat with ease 3 other
capital Naggs (tho he did not win the purse) among whom
was Allen Davies famous Diomed he gave Brodnax $1000
for at 1 year old. have allso a last Springs colt out of the
Dam of the famous quarter Horse Beast, by Dake John-
stons Gray he is prodigious likely, & my Filly by Janus are
all the fine Naggs I have except my old Mare & I wish I was
clear of all those except the Filly; I will desist troubling
you farther with such uninteresting stuff & come to a Subject
all important to the rising Youth of our Country that is the
new Method of Education now taught by Neeff near Phila.
it is natures school & will I am persuaded in another year
establish itself in the good opinion of all; to enter into the
merits of NeefPs method of Education would exceed the
limits of a Letter & take more time than is at present in my
power to devote, I should have no doubt you had read his
book on the Subject, as well as many publications in the
Aurora of Phila. in its favor, but I fear you, like too many
Classical Gentlemen have scouted the Idea of the probability
or possibility of Education being had but in the Old School
with all its Tramels of Despotism & drudgery, so that you
have not allowed yourself to read anything advanced as a
new plan — let it suffice for me to tell you that for information

James Sprunt Historical Publications 57

I can rely on Boys in NeefFs School not exceeding 9 years
& not at School more than 25 Months (for that is the length
of time the school has been in operation) & who have not ar-
rived at having had a Book of any kind put in their hands
& of course not having learned the Alphabet, are able allmost
in as short a time as the Question can be stated, to answer the
most Abstruse & difficult questions in Arithmetic & his method
of teaching French, English, Latin & Greek is not less ad-
mired than that of Arithmetic by all who have attended his
Examinations; — you may be assured my friend this is no
wild Chimera of mine I have been for some time endeavoring
to obtain information in regard to NeefFs Method of Educa-
tion, I have it from various sources, but last of all by Letter
from Duane Editor of Aurora which has determined me in
March next to send William to Neeff tho' with some diffi-
culty I have prevailed on him to receive him, his rule being
to take Boys only from 6 to 8 years of age & has great objec-
tion to such as have ever been to School, aledging that the
intervening Time is totally lost, that it will take him infinitely
more pains & trouble to eradicate the erroneous forms com-
monly adopted in our Schools "than to teach the young Idea
how to shoot" William has made considerable progress in
Latin is doing as well as others in the same School, you may
be assured I am in earnest to send him to Neeff or I would
not now at the commencement of the new year suffer him to
be away, but am endeavoring to learn him to forget what he
has learned at School to prepare him to meet Mr. NeefFs
favorable reception. It requires 6 years with Neeff to com-
plete an Education what a grand Idea that a Boy at 12 years
old a great Scholar & obtained in that way as never to be
effaced or forgotten unlike the learning of the Old School is,
for I have rarely seen a Man from College three or four years
with his Diploma in his pocket who had not forgotten his
Greek & Latin.

I left your Cousin at Fayette in better health than usual
that place will be our residence till June indeed it will be

58 James Sprunt Historical Publications

fortunate for her to be amidst agreeable Company for I fear
she will not be able to stand with fortitude the sending Wil-
liam away. William is at my Elbow & desires me to re-
member him to yourself Mrs. Eaton & all his little Cousins
& says he hopes you will send some of them to bear him com-
pany at NeefFs — Present me affectionately to your Father
your Lady & the Children & believe me my dear friend
yours truly B. Williams.

James Winchester to John R. Eaton.

Ceagfont 6th July 1815
Dear Sir

I had not until yesterday the pleasure to receive your letter
from Granville under date of the 21st April last it came by
mail; postmarked the 1st instant at Murfreesboro. I fear
this long delay will incline you to believe that I have been
capable of neglect

Growers of Tobacco even here has taken a proud stand
among other cultivators of the Earth; Seven and Eight dol-
lars per cwt. has been received for it on the banks of Cumber-
land If this price could continue our planters would soon
be in affluent circumstances — Taxes here are yielded to and
paid without a murmur and confidence in the President in-
creased a rare circumstance under the pressure of heavy
taxes, which strongly marks the patriotism of the people.

Your suit with Searcy is still undetermined; during my
absence in Canada; he got possession of the plantation by
tampering with the tenant just at the expiration of a lease
and leting him have it for little or nothing ; I have since got
possession of it for you in the same way, the consequence
however is that little rent is to be paid

I think that in the year 1811 I informed [you] that J
Mitchell was to be an important witness for Searsey If his
testimony cannot be invalidated it will probably render the

James Sprunt Historical Publications 59

of this suit doubtful ; little business of a litigated nature
has been done in the courts ban during the week

The end of the 18 th and commencement of the 19 th cen-
tury has been pregnant with great events and Bonapartes
re-assension of the throne of France without the firing of a
gun is not amongst least least Is it probable that the Poten-
tates of Europe will again unite and say France shall not
have a monarch of its own choosing I think not

Now peace is restored to our beloved country it will be well
to turn your attention to females as the most prolific source
of population when fulfilling the Holy command Multiply
and replenish the earth. We have six daughters and four
sons and have ceased to increase —

Mrs Winchester joins me in asking you to make our re-
spects to Mrs. Eaton, and you will add to this favour by
making my respects acceptable to my esteemed friends your
Father and Major Will Smith

With a tender of services I conclude very respectfully

Dear Sir

Your most obt Servant,

J. Winchester.
Col. John Eust Eaton

THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA

The James Sprunt Historical Publications

PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

The North Carolina Historical Society

J. G. de Roulhac Hamilton ) w , .
Henry McGilbert Wagstaff )

VOL. 9 No. 2

CONTENTS

Federalism in North Carolina
Letters of William Barry Grove

CHAPKL HILL

PUBLISHED BY THE UNIVERSITY
1910

FEDERALISM IN NORTH CAROLINA

Henry McGilbert Wagstaff

FEDERALISM IN NORTH CAROLINA

I Before the Adoption m thk Constitution

When the delegates oi the patriot party of North Carolina an i

at Halifax in 1776 to form a constitution for the new-born state,
two clearly defined factions appeared. A perfect unity of senti-
ment existed between these factions in all things that appertained
to a vigorous prosecution of the war against England; while wide
differences of view obtained as to the character to be given to the
constitutional document about to be formed. One faction inclined
toward a government of democratic type with every department
faithfully reflecting the popular will. The other wished the con-
stitution to provide a government less directly subject to popular
influence. The former forecasted a new and mighty force in the
world's history: American Democracy. The latter exemplified
the force of conservatism even in transplanted Englishmen, colon-
ials who retained a profound faith in and regard for the English
constitution as it then existed.1 The American idea, however,
predominated in the Halifax convention and the mild type of
democracy which it then embodied characterized the constitution
which was evolved.!

The weaker factiln acquiesced gracefully in the result, the war
soon absorbing the energies of all. But with the coming of peace
and assured independence from the mother country the old line of
cleavage between radicals and conservatives reappeared as new
issues arose and new conditions were to be met. The radical fac-
tion was in control of the state government and responsible for its
course when the war ended, while the conservatives had already

l Many of the leading lawyers, and Other educated men in North Caro-
lina, even after the Revolution, kept in correspondence with their kinsmen

gland and retained a lively interest in Engtiah public affaire
McRee's Life and Correspondence ■»!' James bedell,

6 James Sprunt Historical Publications

assumed the role of critic and were rapidly developing a strong
party consciousness. The domioant party had not yet rid itself
of a trust in the efficacy of paper money issues as a panacea for
state poverty.2 Likewise it was responsible for the failure to re-
peal the laws under which sweeping confiscations of Tory property
had been made during the war. yThe total of this property was
large and its value had materially assisted the state's resources in
sustaining the burden of the war. To make restitution in accord-
ance with the terms3 of peace betfween England and the Congress
of the Confederation was a thing impossible to the impoverished
state government. The radical majority refused to consider it as
in any degree a moral obligation and hence the treaty was not
declared a part of state law un/il 1787, the status of confiscated
property at the same time remaining unaffected.4 A third charac-
teristic of the radicals as a, ruling party was extreme disinterest in
the common government, the Confederacy, together with an in-
tense consciousness of the state's individual sovereignty. The
somewhat blatant democracy, characterized at the end of the war
by the three above named tendencies, embraced in its member-
ship the soldiers of the Revolution, their officers, the bulk of state
officials, and the mass of what Archibald Maclaine, a conservative,
was fond of calling "the common people." On the other hand
the conservatives at this date made up so small a minority that
/they may best be described as a coterie of educated men, mainly
V lawyers, well fitted for leadership and likely to acquire influence
and power as soon as the passions of the recent conflict began to
pass away. They held sane opinions as to the evils of paper
money; advocated a lenient policy toward the defeated Loyalists;
and considered the fortunes and welfare of North Carolina as
indissolubly linked with that of her sister states. Nevertheless

2 Two issues of Bills of Credit were made after hostilities had ceased, one
in 1783 of £100,000 (24 State Records, 478), and another in 1785 for the
same amount (24 S. R. 722).

3 The treaty had provided that Congress recommend to the states the pol-
icy of restitution. This Congress did, though the states, generally, paid no
heed, thus repudiating it as a moral obligation.

4 North Carolina State Records, XX., 321-325.

/ lies Sprunt Historical Publications 7

(here was notably lacking throughout the Btate any spirit ofuni
or diaoontent with present conditions thai promised to afford the
conservatives at any early date an opportunity for Leadership.

A train of influences, however, were already at work that
>n to stir the rather stagnant political wate I rolina

into violent commotion. Virginia and Maryland initiated a
movement in L786 that led to the call of the constitutional con-
vention at Philadelphia in the following year.

The plan for strengthening the Union by amending the An
of Confederation found ready acceptance among the conservatives
of North Carolina. It would, if successful, bring about national
and international respectability, a result that independence alone
did not necessarily assure. Moreover it would very probably cor-
i various internal evils from which the country at large, or the
states individually, suffered. Lastly, to the conservatives the
movement seemed to promise an opportunity for public service
and, consequently, public honors to those who advanced it. In-
terested alike instate and Confederation affairs they threw them-
selves with intelligent skill into the work of creating sentiment for
amendment of the Articles.

Delegates5 had been appointed to represent the state in the
Annapolis Convention, and the legislature now promptly named a
commission of five to the Philadelphia Convention. Neither of
these actions proceeded from any popular demand, but apparent-
i/\y out of deference alone to the invitation. There wTas no lively
interest manifested, except among the handful of conservative
to what might be the outcome. The preamble of the act6 appoint-
ing delegates to Philadelphia embodied the sentiments of the c<>n-

rvatives in the legislature and seems to have been a product of

5 Five in number . None attended. Only one, Hugo Williamson, made
any effort to do so.

6 Public Ada of North Carolina, 1786, 42.

7 The term ''conservative", property eharaet^ri/.es this party in state af-
fairs only. Bo likewise only in the same limited sense does "radical" ac-
riinitt-ly apply to the ruling democracy nndex .Junes* leadership. From the
viewpoint <»f their respective attitudes upon the question of altering the
state's relation to tin- Confederation the terms would in- more descriptive if
interehai;

8 James Sprunt Historical Publications

their exertions. Nevertheless three of tlafecomnrission as elected
were radicals, among them being Willi/ Jones /the unrivalled chief
of his party. Jones was a state indivickialisj^f the extreme type
who, long in control of the dominant party, had given it his own
stamp and taught it to regard North Carolina as its chief and prac-
tically only concern. Though he did not oppose sending dele-
gates to Philadelphia political consistency bade him refuse the
appointment. Richard Caswell, the governor, and somewhat less
lacking in sympathy for the movement than Jones, likewise de-
clined. Being empowered by law to fill the vacancies, the gov-
ernor considerately named two friends of the movement. Hence the
delegation as finally made up consisted of one radical, Alexander
i^Martin, and four conservatives, William R. Davie, Richard Dobbs
Spaight, Hugh Williamson and William Blount.

But even the most enlightened and hopeful of the conservatives7
in North Carolina had no premonition that the American Confed-
eration was on the eve of so marvelous a political transformation,
a transformation the more wonderful in that it was not generally
demanded by the thirteen independent sovereignties affected. The
Philadelphia Convention undertook and effected a radical remod-
eling of the general government. The constitution evolved and
laid before the states for ratification was without a parallel in his-
tory. North Carolina in common with the other states suddenly
realized that she was confronted by a momentous question, the
acceptance or rejection of the new frame of government.

The North Carolina conservatives became at once an active
working corps in the interest of the new constitution, while the
radicals looked on interested but questioning. Even before the
Convention at Philadelphia had finished its labors the most far-
sighted of the former began to plan the election of a conservative
state governor as the initial step toward ratification.8 They now
began to call themselves federal men, and soon thereafter, Feder-
alists. By assiduous correspondence and personal exertions prac-
tical organization was effected, the old conservatives, or "outs",

8 McRee, Griffith J., Life and Correspondence of James Iredell, II., 167.
Hugh Williamson to Iredell, July 22, 1787.

James SptufU Historical Publicatic

to a man rallying with renewed hope to the new and fortunate
iasae.

Samuel Johnston was perhape the best known of all the North
Carolina federajiel preeidenl of the revolutionary Provincial

Council he was ineffecl the executive head of government beti
the abdication in April, L775, of Joeiah Martin, the last of the
governors, and the accession of Richard Caswell under t!
tution in December, 177G. He served the revolutionary state
well in this civil capacity and would undoubtedly have bo
the til nor under the constitution had not Richard

well's military achievements suddenly brought the lattei
prominence.9 Though trusted by the whole state for his probity
and patriotism John-ton was well known to be far from dem<
ic in political theory even though the tide of democracy set in
strong with the inception of the Revolution and was still at high
flood in 1787. This, together with his sharp criticism and con-
tempt of the policies of the ruling radical majority explains his
exclusion from political employment between 1776 and
Equally conversant with state and Confederation affairs and
sessing a. clear insight into international politics the headship of
the Federalist party in North Carolina fell naturally to John
Or, rather, among an able group of well informed equals of like
sympathies a position of primacy was accorded him by con
consent. Other members of this group already possessing state-
wide prominence, a number of whom were soon to become more
widely known, were James Iredell of Eden ton, William Richard-
son Davie of Halifax. Archibald Maclaine of Wilmington, Will
Hooper of Hillsboro, William Blount of Craven, Richard D
Speight of Craven, John Steele of Rowan, and Hugh Williamson
of Edenton. All these except the two last named were, like. Johns-
ton, members of the state bar.

North Carolina held her annual election for members of the
General Assembly in Augn . while the Philadelphia

vention was still in session. It was already known, however, that

9 Caswell was in command of the state forces at the battle of Ko
Creek, February, 1776, in which a severe defeat was inflicted upon the &

Highlander! in the Oape Fear country who rose ill favor of KiiiL' ( Jeorge.

10 James Sprunt Historical Publications

a plan of government had been agreed upon and that in relation
to it the forthcoming Assembly would be called upon to act.10
Therefore the federal leaders determined to wage an active cam-
paign for membership in and possible control of that body in order
to insure its compliance with the expected recommendations of
the Convention. Thus the Constitution became an issue in North
Carolina before men knew what it was like. Intense interest was
awakened. The fighting became fast and furious, much bitter-
ness being engendered in many localities." The federal leaders,
most of whom were candidates, took as their common theme the
weaknesses of the old Confederation and its corollary, the need of
a firmer principle of union. The campaign was of considerable
educative value and accentuated interest in larger affairs than the
average North Carolinian was wont to concern himself after inde-
pendence had been achieved. Nevertheless a fair analysis of the
issues involved in this campaign shows that the federal men, as
"outs," forced the fighting on the new ground as a means to
supremacy in the state; while the radicals were struggling not to
condemn the Constitution in advance but to maintain their con-
trol. Therefore, despite the claim of federal men, a radical vic-
tory did not necessarily imply that the new frame of government,
when submitted, would not be accorded due consideration.

Though the federalists had made a notable effort and attracted
numerous recruits to their ranks, they failed to wrest control of
the legislature from the radicals, the latter being able to show a
majority in each house and to choose both speakers.12 Archibald
Maclaine had to solace himself with the hope that the Assembly
contained some men of understanding who would endeavor to do
what was necessary. "Happily," he continues, "our Assembly,
except where particular interests interfere, have generally appear-
ed well disposed to coincide with the .proposals of Congress."13
This qualified confidence in the radicals by tlfe straitest of the old
conservatives was not misplaced. Partisanship for the nonce was

10 McRee IT., 168, Spai^rht to Iredell, Aug.

11 Ibid. II., 178, Maclaine to Iredell, Aug. 2\

12 Senate and House Journals, N. C. State Records, ^X., 121, 303.

13 McRee IT., 178, Maclaine to Iredell.

James Sprunt Historical Publications 11

held in abgrimce, the two I n joinl ballot choosing Samuel

JohnstoirgovernoT despite bis opposition to the bulk of tin- prin-
ciples tw which the radical majority stood. This was the resiill
of a general recognition that the honor was due Johnston tor the
eminent services he had rendered the Btate. Moreover, in its
anticipation, he had been taetfa] enough to refrain from pi
nation in the late partisan conflict. When a minority member

introduced ;i measure t<> provide for a state convention to Consider
the new federal Constitution the majority again proved liberal,
only two radicals of any prominence opposing it.'4 That th<
pie might have first-hand information about the proposed plan of

government the Assembly ordered copies of the Constitution print-
ed and placed at the disposal of members for distribution among
their constituents. The Convention was to meet at Hillsboro in
July, 1788, and to consist of five freeholding delegates from
county and one from each borough town chosen under the
regulations as were members of the lower house of Assembly.

The federalist leaders now hej dive campaign to arouse

popular interest in the new scheme of government. The first
popular endorsement15 of the Constitution in North Carolina re-
sulted from a meeting held at I . November 8, 1787. The
grand jury at the same place likewise presented to the court a
vigorous address upon the subject Nov. 12. This document was
printed as campaign literature and widely circulated. The rea-
sons it assigned for the need of the new constitution were: the
distracted state of the Union; public debts unpaid; treaty of peace
unfulfilled; commerce on the verge of ruin; private industry at a
standstill; quotas unpaid and impossible to pay; Cong

sessing hut a shadow of authority, etc. These ideas, with numer-
ous appropriate additions, were pressed upon the attention of the
public by all the campaign methods the >gue. They were

14 Journal of tli<' Benafc <69, 372. The oppos-
ing meml • Thomas Person ami Jamei ('<»<, r.

15 This meeting wac 'i'i<' t<> tin- influence and exertions <>f James bedell,
who redded at that place. It w as before the assembly bad called the con-
vention, and soon after I titation was promulgated. Bee McRee
H.. 180.

12 James Sprunt Historical Publications

emphasized by resolutions in meetings of the friends of the consti-
tution; by presentments from favorable grand juries; by the
group of federalist lawyers upon their court circuits; and by a
newly developed pamphlet literature.16 Early in January, 1788,
James Iredell under the pen name "Marcus," published his
Answers to Mr. Mason's Objections to the New Constitution,17 a pro-
duction that easily takes rank with the ablest of the "Federalist
Papers" of Madison, Jay, and Hamilton, only a few numbers of
which had as yet appeared. Later (May) Davie and Iredell col-
laborated in the production of a second pamphlet in defense of
the Constitution and incurred considerable expense in circulat-
ing it.

The election of convention delegates resulted in the choice of
the ablest leaders of both parties, this being made possible by the
fact that any freeholder might be chosen by any county or bor-
ough town whether he was a resident of the same or of some other.
Too, there was an appreciation of ability very generally prevalent
in North Carolina at this date that made it possible, and not in-
frequent, for a constituency to confer public honors out of respect
to individual character and virtue even though the recipient's
political views may not have accorded with those of the electors
so honoring him. What with her borough representation; her
practice of free choice of any citizen of the state by any local con-
stituency; and her trust in men of proven merit upon occasion,
regardless of their views, North Carolina was, in her political prac-
tices, as English as Kent or Middlesex.

When the Hillsboro Convention met, July 21, 1788, it was
already known that the number Of federalist delegates would make
up only a respectable minority/8 Willie Jones' masterly leader-

16 Newspapers in Nortli Carolina at this early date were few and weak,
the State Gazette of Newbern being the most important. There was as yet
no great reading public. Nor had political canvassing and the stump orator
of a later day appeared.

17 Mr. Mason of Virginia. Iredell's paper first appeared in fragmentary
form in the State Gazette and later in pamphlet. See reprint in McRee II.,
186-215.

18 McRee II. , 222. Hooper to Iredell, April 15, 1788.

iced Publications L8

ship had kept the front of the old radical party quite unbroken, i
ult due in large pari to one man leader-hip, supported by albe

lieutenants, in an organization already in definite control of the
state. Nevertheless when the delegates met in their first see
the federalists were still hopeful of a favorable issue. They relied

upon the weight of the influence Upon the convention of the ten
states that had already ratified. Among the ten wa- Virginia,

whose influence was especially potent in the Roanoke and Albe-
marle regions of North Carolina, regions which at that time were
the most thickly populated, the wealthiest, and most influential

^portion of the state. On June 11, 1788, Hugh Williamson, dele-
gate in the now moribund Congress, wrote20 from New York:
"All expectation is turned toward Virginia. We take it for grant-
ed, I do at least, that North Carolina will follow Virginia in
adopting or rejecting." On July 9, Virginia having ratified
meanwhile, Davie writes from Halifax:21 "The decision of Vir-
ginia has altered the tone of the Antis here very much. Mr.
Jones -ays his object will now be to get the constitution rejected in
order to give weight to the proposed amendments, and talks in
high commendation of these made by Virginia."

Jones refused to relinquish this purpose when the convention
had organized, and held his followers in orderly array behind
him. Governor Johnston, out of deference to his office and pub-
lic service, was chosen by unanimous vote to preside. Iredell,
Davie, Spaight, Maclaine, and Steele were present as delegate-
and prepared to champion ratification. A session of eleven day-
followed in which the Constitution was debated in its various as-
pects. The debates clearly brought out the fact that the federal-
ist leaders held the new Constitution to be in nature a compact

19 Jo an example of the early development of the party OOPS,
though entirely without the venality of the modern type of this species in
American politics.

20 To Iredell. McReelL, 226.

21 McKec, II., 230. Halifax WAS in the Southside Roanoke region and the

borne of both Willie Jones and Davie. The latter married Sarah, daughter
of Genera] Allen .l<»ne<. :l brother of Willie Jones. Allen Jones, howc
like Davie was a conservative in politics and always opposed bis brother
politically.

1 [ James Sprunt Historical Publications

/between the states, and the federal government, created by it, their
agent. Nor does this theory seem to have been assumed by the
federalists merely to lull the suspicions of the majority. Davie
and Spaight had been members of the Philadelphia Convention,
and presumably, knew the spirit in which the Constitution was
constructed. Both upon the floor of the Hillsboro Convention in-
1 terpreted the document as providing more efficient union yet in
no way effecting the sovereign character of the states.22 No appre-
ciable change of sentiment appeared as a result of the debate.
Non-adoption was pre-determined by the majority. Jones embod-
ied this decision in a resolution23 which likewise asserted the neces-
sity of a bill of rights and suggested the call of a second conven-
tion at a later date. To the resolution was appended a declara-
tion of rights similar to that in the state constitution together with
a list of twenty- six amendments very similar to those suggested
by Virginia. The resolution and appendages were carried by a
vote of one hundred and eighty-four to eighty-four. A motion by
a federalist to substitute a ratifying resolution was defeated by the
same vote reversed. On August 4 the body adjourned sine die.

The eleventh state, New York, ratified soon after the adjourn-
ment at Hillsboro, thus leaving North Carolina with the sole com-
panionship of Rhode Island without the Union. Public opinion
in the state now began to veer around rapidly. The federalists,
with hope renewed, redoubled their efforts, believing that the
pressure of circumstances would now give them control. The
annual August election of assemblymen, occurring so soon after
the decision of the Convention, gave them scant time to reform
their ranks. Nevertheless they made large gains, it remaining
uncertain, until the Assembly met in November, as to who should
control the body. Hence in the interim the friends of the Consti-
tution everywhere prepared petititions24 to the Assembly asking
the call of a second convention to consider the subject anew.
Upon Governor Johnston's suggestion the petitioners preserved a

22 Elliot's Debates, IV., 148, 155, etseq.

23 Elliot's Debates, IV., 242.

24 These petitions are preserved in manuscripts in the North Carolina Ar-
chives, office of Secretary of State, Raleigh.

Jhmu SprwU fJittorieaX PuhlwcUums US

f.iir degree of uniformity, emphasizing mainly the benefits to be

erived from a firm anion with (In- other states and the deeirabil-

Tity of being in the Union when the anticipated amendmente

Bhonld be formed.

Almost immediately after the Assembly met, November -\, a

Secret caucus of the friends of the Constitution was held by which
it was learned that they possessed a small majority in both
branches.' Yet so effective was the radical party organization
and so powerful its grip upon the state that both houses organized
under its control without regard to the convention issue. In fact
on the loth a definite proof was given the conservatives that the
Radical party still controlled even on the convention issue, despite
the convictions of a majority of the whole body. On that date,
evidently by a dexterous use of the party whip, Thomas Person,96
radical leader in the lower house, secured a vote of fifty-five to
forty-seven against a new convention.27 But this vote was meant
to be disciplinary rather than definitive, — a proof that another
convention would be by radical grace rather than by conservative
compulsion. Many radicals, though still amenable to party disci-
pline and at one with their leaders on state issues, wished to call
a new convention and have it ratify the constitution. They were
federalists for the single purpose of federation; in all things else
they still looked to Jones and Person for guidance. The former
in the senate and the. latter in the house were masters on every
ue, finally, save that of the convention. They even had the two
houses reiterate28 the necessity of another federal convention29 and
appoint five delegates to attend when it should be called. One of
these v !i himself, and the others likewise belonged to the

25 IfcRee II., 245, Maclaineto Iredell, Nov. 17, 1788.

26 General Thomas Person, of Granville, a Revolutionary patriot and ofli-
cer. He was Jones' ablest lieutenant and an uncompromising advocate of
state individualism.

27 House Journal, X. estate Records, XXI., 52.

Journal, 1788, N. C. State Kec., XX., 527 and 544. This was a
concurrent resolution.

29 The- Ilillsboro Convention of the ypar before had passed a final resolu-
tion demanding ■ ncond federal convention to provide the required amend-
ments.

16 James Sfwunt Historical Publications

an ti -federal section of the radicals. They defeated a bill, brought
in by the federal conservatives,30 to force debtors to pay according
to contract, and thus abrogate the old "stay laws" passed in the
period of the Revolution and still in force. Likewise they threw
out a bill introduced and supported by the federal conservatives
for removing the political disabilities31 of Tory sympathizers in
the Revolution. But despite these evidences of party solidarity
the flood of petitions for a new state convention and the wavering
of a considerable portion of their followers warned Jones and Per-
son that this point would have to be conceded. Hence on the 21st
of November the two houses came into agreement upon a resolu-
tion32 to call a convention the date of which was set for November
16, 1789, a year after its call. Thus the federal government
would be organized, and operative for the ratifying states, at least
six months before North Carolina could render a new decision as
to her relations with it. This was the last concession the radical
leaders would make and with this the North Carolina federalists
had perforce to content themselves. Indeed they were as yet not
very sanguine of a favorable result at all, well knowing that Jones
and Person were still unconvinced of the wisdom of the whole plan
and would use the intervening period to discover and advertise
any weaknesses the new government might manifest.

No untoward circumstances, however, occurred within the fol-
lowing twelve months to daunt the hopes of those who had faith
in the new Union. Before the middle of 1789 its machinery had
been set in motion. Washington at the head of the state inspired
universal confidence. Congress began in a conservative spirit to
clothe the governmental skeleton with flesh and blood.

The federalists of North Carolina conceded at the outset that
the constitution should be amended according to the demand so
generally expressed by the states upon their ratification. They

30 N. C. State Records, XX, 492. See also McRee II, 247, Johnston to
Iredell, Nov. 20, 1788.

31 State Ree., XX., 506. These disqualifying laws had been passed in 1784
and 1785. See State Rec., XXIV., 683, 732.

32 Ibid. XXI., 83.

James Sprw/ti Historical PiMications 17

looked to Jamee Madison oi Virginia to bring the matter forward
early in the first con( Bnoh action would go far toward over-

ooming North Carolina's hesitation. The anti-federal section of
the radical party, allowing scant time for rach a move, wen-, in
May, 1789, remarking with great triumph the fulfilment oi theii
prophecies with respect to Congn taking up the subject.

Madison, however, at the end ol the month, brought the expected
li-t of amendments forward and Bhowed every Inclination to push
their adoption. This promptness, together with the fact that the
champion of amendment was a federalist,34 made the North Caro-
lina federalists jubilant and to the same degree confounded the
anti-federalists.39 In the meantime, and as the date of the state's
second convention approached sentiment favorable to the constitu-
tion increased and definitely crystallized for final action.

The second North Carolina convention called to consider the
federal constitution met at Fay etteville, November 16, 1789, and
five days later passed an ordinance of ratification by a majority of
one hundred and eighteen votes. General Johnston was presi-
dent. Other prominent federalists with seats in the body were
William R. Davie, John Steele, Hugh Williamson, Charles John-
son, and William Barry Grove. Thomas Person and Judge Samuel
Spencer led the anti-federalists, Willie Jones having refused to
accept a seat in the body whose action was a foregone conclusion
and with which he had do sympathy.

In considering the final causes that led North Carolina to ratify
the United States Constitution the conclusion is inevitable that

I the primary influence was its ratification by eleven of the other
state- and thereby the automatic dissolution of the old Confedera-
tion. Thus North Carolina was left in an isolated position, out
of relation with her sisters with whose fortunes hers were naturally

33 IfcBee, II., 258, Thomas Lowther to Jamas Iredell, May 9, 1789.
34 Madison afterward arrayed himself in opposition t<> the federalists as a
political party and became one ol the leaden o! the Republicans. The fact

that the North Carolina federalists at this early date looked to him as leader
in that many of tl em went through the same political evolu-
tion, thus in part aocouiitim: for the failure of a vigorous growth of Federal-
ate.
35 IfcBee, II., 260, Davie to Iredell. June 4, 1789.

18 James Sprunt Historical Publications

linked. She had not demanded a reorganization of the old gov-
ernment and, despite the energetic campaign carried on by the
conservatives, there was aroused no popular appreciation of the
new scheme from the date of its promulgation to that of its ratifi-
cation. Public opinion was not yet ripe for the change and was
artificially ripened by the consciousness of the state's isolation.
A majority may have at any time admitted that the new constitu-
tion had points of superiority over the old; but, likewise, there
was always a majority that feared the states were yielding up too
much. It was hope, rather than faith, that finally over- balanced
fear. Only a minority body of public opinion, finding expression
in the old leaders of the conservative faction, had full faith that
the new order would be safer than the old. Even this faith was
in part artificially stimulated by the belief that the changing order
would serve as an opportunity for the "outs" in state politics to
seize power. This was the capitalization of a hope that was never
realized though, as the following chapter will explain, a larger
field for public service now opened before them.

II . An i i; i [OH 01

Consistent with the Kr"<»l policy of having the government

launched by its friends and because of his just claims upon the

- regard the North Carolina Assembly ananimou
Governor Samuel Johnston as its flrsl United States senator, ben-
jamin Hawkins, likewi received 1 1 » « - second toga.

Two months later. February 10, L790, James Iredell was Darned
by 1 'resident Washington as an Associate Justice of the United
States Supreme Court. Preliminary to the represented apportion-
ment to be based upon the census of 1790 the state had been as-
signed five members in the lower house of Congress. The a
hly therefore districted the state for representation by combining
for each district two of the ten superior court districts.56 This
gave one to the trans-mountain region,37 thus leaving only four
f the mountains. Elections were held in February in the
four eastern districts, resulting in the choice of two federalists38
— Hugh Williamson and John Steele — and two anti-federalists —
Timothy Bloodworth and John B. Ashe,

Johnston and Hawkins, the two senators, reached New York,
the seat of Congress, at the beginning of the year. The represen-
tatives did not all arrive before the middle of April, when con-
gress was in the hottest of tlie conflict over Hamilton's finam ial

36 Laws of N. C. State Records XXV., 1-3.

37 The trans-monntain district, t ho defunct State of Franklin, chose. John
Sevier, its late revolutionary governor. In April, 1790, through her Sena-
's orth Carolina i do! cession of this turbulent territory to

• rnnient and before long it was admitted into the Onion

m the state of Tennessee, after this cession five representatives were still

allowed North Carolina. For the second districting act see laws of N. C,
XXV, 64-65.

38 Si' the adoption 61 the constitution, the term "Federalist" was
continued in use to.! arty that had brought ahout union and
controlled :unent. Hence ''anti-federalist" wafl for a time

hose two names will now dis-
re-oectively, 'Vonser\ at i \ <•-' ' and ' 'radical.-' " in Xorth Carolina poli-
:itil the an ti -fedora lists came to be known as Kepuhli.au>

20 James Sprunt Historical Pvblications

proposals. Senator Johnston supported39 Madison in the latter's
proposal to make a discrimination between the original
national debt certificates and those who had purchased them at
depreciated value. He likewise opposed the assumption of state
debts, writing40 Iredell: "I am of the opinion that if Congress
adopts that measure one of two evils will necessarily ensue, either
they will not be able to comply with their engagements, or in
order to enable them to comply they will be reduced to the neces-
sity of laying taxes which will be oppressive to the people and
injure the government in their opinion. The House, at this time,
is very nearly divided on the question . If our members come for-
ward in time I have hopes that the assumption of state debts wrill
not take place." The North Carolina members did arrive a few
days afterward and all arrayed themselves, under Madison's lead-
ership, against the measure. Williamson took a conspicuous part
in the debate. He alleged that assumption would be palpably
unfair to those states which had already discharged a large part of
their debts if they were now to be taxed to discharge the debts of
those that were delinquent. He claimed that assumption would
be an invasion of the reserved rights of the states and contradic-
tory to the powers North Carolina understood herself to have
granted when she ratified the constitution.41 The accession of the
North Carolina delegation to the non-assumption party was decis-
ive for the time, the question being deferred. Furthermore no
Federalist of note left in private life in North Carolina endorsed
the bold program of Hamilton. Davie was tremblingly alive to
every influence that might threaten the stability of the new gov-
ernment and thought such measures quite unfitted to its infant
resources.42 Indeed it began to appear that in North Carolina
Federalism" meant federation only, an end already achieved.
The political principles, centralization of power in the hands of
the federal government and loose construction of the constitution,

39McRee, II., 281. Johnston to Iredell, Feb. 18, 1790.

40 Ibid. II, 286, April 6, 1790.

41 Gales and Seaton, History of Cong., I, 1490, Speech of Hugh William-
son on Assumption.

42 McRee II., 281. Davie to Iredell, April, 1790.

James Sprwni Historical Publications 21

which the Federalists as a national party were now beginning to

develop, WOllld evidently l>e of Blow gTOWtfa in the 8t

\r have just Been, the North Carolina Federalists, both in

and OUt <>f public life, were inclined to balk at the Fedl
national program. Bowever this was hnt a mild reflex from the

violent reaction that began to manifesl itself immediately after rat-
ification. The rampant state democracy, still in control, repent-
ed itself of tlie temporary trust it had imposed in those who had
advised federation under a strengthened constitution. Those who
had opposed ratification to the end now gained complete a.-'
ency in the party. The fruits of the new Union, they said, already
began to ripen hitter. On December 15, the General Assembly
1 resolutions condemning the assumption of state debts as
an infringement of the sovereignty of the states. A solemn pro-
tect was ottered against the policy and the state's senators and
representatives in Congress were directed to use their endeavors to
prevent a- far as possible the evil operation of such acts to the

ests and liberty of the country.43 By this date the assump-
tion measure was law, the two senators from North Carolina lend-
ing it their support at the last, while the state's whole delegation
in the lower house remained steadfast in the opposition. The
highly exasperated at the action of the senators and
ration turned into keen distrust when they failed to attend
the legislative session for a few days and make report of their
ip.44 Had this been senatorial year they would assured-
ly have lost their seats. The representatives were in difr
case. They had not offended by their votes in Congress. More-
over all the delegation, both Federalists and anti-Federalists, were

licuoualy43 present at the November-December session, 1790.
Their districts were to be faced the following year and attendance

43 X. C. lords, XXI.. 1055.

44McRfle II.. 302-303. A. Maclaine to bedell and John Hay to tredell.
e voted for the I U, thus further offending the

State : McRee II., 326-330, Iredell to John Hay for a very

able defense of the s

45 [bid. II.. 302. A. Machine to bedell, Nov. 18, 1790.

22 James Sprunt Historical Publications

upon the legislature was the best method for mending political
fences. North Carolinians had not yet got away from the idea
that their legislature was the exponent of their sovereignty. Nor
was the legislature, on this account, backward in demanding from
the state's servants a recognition of its primary importance.

The legislature of North Carolina, through these last years of
the 18th century, was composed of the ablest men to be found in
the counties who were not already officials in other capacities.
Familiarity with public affairs was not claimed by the average
citizen and hence he inevitably trusted and clothed with power
those few in each community who by character, knowledge, or
experience were best fitted to direct the fortunes of the state.
Professional politicians had not yet made their appearance.
Nevertheless there was observable a tendency to recognize an
official class, though this class was not a close corporation that
played politics for its own advantage. Rather it was a class com-
posed of men who by natural ability in leadership, or by educa-
tion, stood out as worthy the confidence of the masses. In all
popular elections before the Revolution it was the practice in North
Carolina to confer public honors upon this official class despite its
tendency to become an official aristocracy. But during the pro-
cess of the Revolution democracy had become enthroned in the
state. Hence, afterward, only such of the old official class as had
actively identified themselves with the patriot cause and could, at
least measurably, readjust themselves to harmony with the new
spirit of democracy found opportunity for public service. The
majority of these had become conservatives after 1776 and sought
to moderate the radical tendencies of the state administration.
Later, as has been shown, they became federalists and, like Sam-
uel Johnston, comu«faiioreoN confidence and received a fair share of
public honors. By 1790, Jhowever, the state had begun to pro-
duce a new crop of\aspir>mts for political leadership. These were
the true type of that rough, crude, but virile democracy that was
to give its distinctive characteristics to the life of the young repub-
lic for the next half century. Many of the new political aspir-
ants were not "gentlemen" in the old colonial or English mean-
ing of the term. They would not have been at ease or found

Jamet Spruni Historical Publication* 23

great enjoyment, aa did Samuel Johnston and his class.4' indrink-

\ith LadjF Washington, Many of them lacked educa-
tion and polish but were men of ability and were !';it developing
those qualities of leadership that BUCh an environment dt inaiidcd .
Ifoel of this new <•!;, in 1790-91, to he found in the anti"

fedrral party, now soon to he known in the nation a- the Repub-
lican party under the leadership and inspiration of Thomas Jeff 6T-
It was of such men, together with a respectable minority of
old conservatives, that the legislature of North Carolina was made
up and whose influence in their respective counties would decide
the fortunes of the congressional candidates.

•table to North Carolina had been the votes of all her
congressmen in the first congress, Federalists and anti-Federal ists
alike, and so respectful had been their attitude toward the Assem-
bly, that all were returned in the elections of 1791 save one,
Thifl was Timothy Bloodworth, an extreme an ti- Federalist, who

1 in the Wilmington district by William Barry Gr-
a most ardent Federalist. This district was now, and for long,
dominated by Scotch influence, the Seotch inhabitants of the Cape
£&]£ valley making up the bulk of the population. The &
had b lists in the Revolution and had suffered much at

tbe hands of the victorious party. Thus they were naturally in-
clined toward Federalism, understanding it to mean centralization
and stability and depression of surviving Revolutionary hatreds
yet fostered by the state democracy. This district, therefore,
be stronghold of Federalism in North Carolina, retaining
Grove in the House for the next twelve years, through which
1 lie became more and more antagonistic to Republican prin-

46 Johnston was a man of eonrtly manners and moved easily in any
BOCial environment He was careful to discharge social obligations and
found enjo\ ii in the somewhat still' soeiety «»f Washii mrt. "

Writing to Iredell, his brother-in-law, March 4, 1790, he says: "I have just
left the President's, where I had the pleasure of dining withal
memb We had some excellent champagne and, after it.

I had thejionor of drinking coffee with his Lady, a most amiable woman.
If i lire much longer 1 believe 1 shall at last be reconciled to the company
of old women for bei drenmstanoe I once thought Impossible,"

McRee II., 284.

2 1 James Sprunt Historical Publications

ciples as the years went by. At the same election Nathaniel Ma-
con was chosen in the Hillsboro district.47 Macon, as a Republi-
can of the Jeffersonian school of thought, was now assuming the
state leadership that Willie Jones was voluntarily relinquishing.
Likewise he was just beginning his thirty-seven years of continu-
ous service in Congress,48 upon whose actions he was to leave a
definite impress.

In party nomenclature, therefore, North Carolina had three
Federalists and two anti-Federalists in the Second Congress, though
even the nominal Federalists were not at this date suspected of
entertaining the principles of loose constitutional construction and
national centralization of powers for which the term "Federalism"
was soon to stand in the South.

By 1793 party lines were more clearly drawn in the state and the
trend of Federalism more clearly understood in its new interpreta-
tion. HencejU^hat year out of the ten representatives49 chosen
only one Federalist secured election, and that the redoubtable Will-
iam Barrr Grove./ In the meantime Samuel Johnston, now regard-
ed as deej^-dyecj/m Federalism, and proving totally unpliant to the
will of the jealous legislature,50 lost his seat in the session of 1792-
93, giving place to the anti-Federalist Alexander Martin. Thus in
1793 North Carolina retained only two Federalists in elective
offices, — W. B. Grove in the House and Benjamin Hawkins in the
Senate. The latter had been elected in 1789 for the long term
and, therefore, his tenure would not expire before 1795. The
Federalist leaders, though practically eliminated from official life

47 The census returns of 1790 had not yet been completed. North Caro-
lina, though having ceded Tennessee in 1790, was still allowed five congress-
men as under the old apportionment ; thus the choice in 1791 of an addition-
al congressman.

48 Macon was a member of the House of Reprentatives from 1791 to 1815,
being chosen Senator in the latter year and retaining his seat until his vol-
untary retirement at the age of seventy-one years in 1828.

49 This number of representatives was apportioned to North Carolina as
a remit of the census of 1790.

50 Johnston's vote on the Excise Bill, a measure extremely unpopular in
North Carolina, deeply offended the Assembly. See McRee II., 336. Johns-
ton to Iredell.

■ i Historical Publicatic 26

in L798 except in certain federal appointive offices, had ool really
been guilty of any dereliction of dutg To

be sore they had manifested the firmest faith in the prir

union as a cure for the many ill

Likewie thai honesty and wisdom had ch

1 the course of the new government bo far. None of them up
to IT'.':; had shown any disposition to strain the Constitution
a doubtful point unless the senators' Bupport of Hamilton's finan-
cial measures might be_ so construed. Essentially they had
as strict constructionists as their anti-Federal oppoi
when the principle of union was endangered. Judge [redell, in
fact, original Federalist, and now United State-
Justice, set hia partymen of the South a strict constru tand-

rd, February, 1794, in his dissenting opinion in the Chi
Georgia case.51

Involving the right of a citizen to sue a state this case indi
]y raised the question as to the status of a state in tl Lean

Union; i.e., whether it had ever been sovereign, was soven
now, or had divested itself of sovereignty when it en.
Union, [redell evolved the theory of di . eereignty, hold-

ing that the sta' they

had curtailed thi eignty by delegating i

• > the federal government. His opinion wa intima-

tion to the country that the constitution of the Union wa- of the
nature of a compact and th:1 lay only in strii ruc-

tion of its terms. Federalist though he was and one of the wann-
est and most influential adi bitution, he thus
gave the Republicans the cue to their most powerful political prin-
ciple. The government had been launched, and launched succ
fully, under the latter'- carping I of moth
but no definite crystallization of principles had occurred among
them until Iredell struck the keynot construction, which
hecame the party's shibboleth and remained its central principle
for seventy years. The leading Federalists in North Carolina

51 For report of this case see Dallas, I*. B. Supreme Court Reports, II.,
419-480.

26 James Sprunt Historical Publications

erally remained silent on the subject of Iredell's attitude in this
case, only one — William R. Davie — writing in approval.52 The
country generally, however, soon came to endorse Iredell's main
premise that a state should not be sued by a citizen and the
eleventh amendment was the ultimate result.

Jay's treaty with Britain, made in 1794, gives a second test
within this year by which to gauge the strength of Federalism in
North Carolina. This treaty was a disappointment to the whole
country but was defended in strong Federalist centers, the adminis-
tration likewise being strong enough to effect its ratification. In
North Carolina, however, no single influential voice was raised in
its defense. W. B. Grove, the state's lone Federalist in the House
of Representatives, did dare to vote for the appropriation neces-
sary to carry the treaty terms into effect; but all other Federalists
J of state prominence, whether in or out of public service, agreed
with the opposition, though somewhat more mildly, in its con-
demnation. Johnston wrote:53 ''It [the treaty] appears to be a
hasty performance." After stating certain of its more striking
objections he goes on: "I confess they have greatly lessened my
opinion of Mr. Jay's ability as a negotiator; at the same time I
think it most wicked in those who charge him with perfidy and
corruption. Time I hope will do justice to his character and con-
found those bad men who are endeavoring to blacken it." Later
he wrote:54 "The whole continent seems to be enraged against
Mr. Jay and his Treaty. Tis a pity that there is seldom so much
pains taken to conciliate the minds of the multitude as is taken to
inflame them Nothing seams so much to contrib-
ute to the happiness of some people as to see everyone distressed
and discontented with the state of public affairs." Davie more
explicitly condemned the treaty but at the same time showed an
even greater solicitude for the endangered government than did
Johnston. He said:55 "The present crisis appears to me to be
the most delicate and important since the organization of the gov-

52McRee, II., 382. Davie to Iredell.

53 McRee II., 450. To Iredell.

54McRee II., 453. To Iredell, Aug. 15. 1795.

55 Ibid. II., 454. To Iredell, Sept. 4, 1795.

Jamei Sprmi Htttorical Publication 27

eminent. The Anti-Feder al enemies oi

Administration have rallied with astonishing activity. The cir-
cumstance ol the Treaty has ranged

side and given an imposing app their numbers. I be-

will now make their last effort to shake the Govern-
ment." The words of Johnston and D
genera] attitude oi the Federalists in North Carolina. r!

id the tre lunder bn1 strongly deprecated its being

made a lever for weakening the government. The Republ
in Congress, under inspiration from Jefferson and the Leadei
Of Madison, sought to lide by refusing the appropriation

necessary to carry it into effect. T iralists, however, won

by a narrow margin.

This Republican defeat resulted in bringing Jefferson into the
field as candidate for the presidency in 1796 against John A.d
The return56 of Jefferson to the political arena likewi I forth

his old disciple in North Carolina, Willie .Jones, from political
retirement. In this year the la in stood for a seat in the

ably, the announcement of which was equivalent to hifl
tion. This recrudescpfice of Jones boded no good to the Fede

in the state, Enough it had already begun to Rhow active
signs of revival when danger seemed to threaten the in the

sharp controversy over Jay's trea*

A preliminary skirm; een the reviving Fed

and its opponent was the choice ol >r in 17

Benjamin Hawkin di.-t, elected in 1789. John i

came the candidate of the party . Timothy Blood worth, Repub-
lican, opposed him. The fight waxed warm in the legislature.
The charge of subserviency cnilton while in the House ,,f

Representatives aiuKoi having "joined the aristocratical party"57
was fatal to Steete, though not until outside influence had
exerted against him.58 Bloodworth, the blacksmith, was chosen,

56 Jefferson was Secretary of state in Washington's cabinet and bad re-
tire.! in .Ian.. 1794.

57 James Sprout Historical Monograph, So. 3, p. 18, Col. Joseph Mc-

I)«.\vell to Gen. Johl - 'an. 12, 1795.

58 Senator Pierce Butler, of Sooth Carolina, wrote, opposJ »n the

28 James Sprunt Historical Publications

much to the mortification of Davie and other Federalists who pro-
fessed much concern for the reputation of the state.59 The strength
shown by the Federalists in this contest over the senatorship
aroused their hopes of securing a respectable member of the presi-
dential electors in 1796. In the presidential election of 1788
North Carolina did not participate, not being at that time a mem-
ber of the rTnion . In 1 792 her votes had been given to Washing-
ton in grateful acknowledgement of his services and as a tribute
to his character, though at the same time Clinton of New York,
Republican, was her choice for vice-preside/t. Although Wash-
ington was on the eve of retirement in 1798 and Federalism had
so far failed to develop any strength in North Carolina, Samuel
Johnston and other Federalists believed60 it possible to secure at
least four of the state's twelve electoral votes for John Adams.
Events proved their hopes over-sanguine, Adams receiving only
one,61 eleven going to Jefferson the standard bearer of Republican-
ism.

Adams, however, won over his rival by a narrow margin, the
latter, by the old plan of election, becoming vice-president.
Though contributing so small a part thereto the North Carolina
Federalists heartily congratulated themselves and the country
upon Adams's victory,62 though none of them as yet voiced the
great dread of Jefferson that was so common among Federalists
elsewhere. Nor did victorious Republicanism refuse to Washing-
ton, upon his retirement in 1797, the meed of reverence that was
his due. The Assembly voted him an address couched in warm,
affectionate, and respectful terms, the Federalists of the state re-
garding this as a just rebuke to Nathaniel Macon who had voted ■
in Congress against a similar address from that body.

But with Washington retired to private life and his personal
influence removed as a restraining force there was every indica-

ground of his conduct in the House. See McRee II., 407. Butler to Iredell.

59 Ibid., II., 431. Davie to Iredell.

60 McRee II., 481, Johnston to Iredell.

61 The Scotch District.

62 W. B. Grove to James Hogg. Grove Corr., Sprunt Historical Mono-
graphs, No. 3, 116.

63 Annals of Cong., 4th Congress, 2 Sess., 1688.

Jamet Spmnt IfiMorieal Publicaiioria

ti.»n that North Carolina vrould turn mor<

to strict Republicanism oLthe Jefferaoniap brand. Thifl was due

in part to the influence ol Virginia,'4 but/In imer part to the

individualism that Willi! Jones pad Btampe
indelibly upon the Btate during the life of rh^-^on federation.
Ear every hope of building up Federalist strength had failed. It
remained to what would be the result should oircui]

arise that threatened violently the principle of union. Was North

rolina Republicanism, or even that <>f Virginia., of a sort that,

in its opposition to Federalism as a set of party principle
would go to the • length of permitting the Federal system

union to fail? The country was now on the eve of a
public affairs that hade fair to render a fairly definite answer to
this question.

This crisis was precipitated by the course of external politics.
In the spring of 1798 the long series of aggravations America had
suffered65 at the hands of revolutionary France culminated in the
X.Y.Z. affair. In this it was clearly demonstrated that the
French Directory had dealt most perfidiously with America's en-
voys and offered an insult to her sovereignty. President Adams
took proper offense and prepared to assert the nation's dignity.
Tin u it 1)1 a /••(! fiercely for a time. Federalists and Repuh-

64 Virginia's influence upon public affairs in North Caaoiina was, at this
iine, and before, a subject o! frequent reference by public men of both

John Marshall to Iredell, Mertee II., 482.

65 T! s of the French Revolution caused the outbreak of a war
between England and France in 1793 which continued without a lull until
1802. By neither combatant were the right! of weaker nations, whether
neutrals, or participants, I Public sentiment in America became
divided on party lines in America as between England and France. The
Federalists had no sympathy with the violent French and leaned toward
England. The Republican party was intensely pro-French in sympathy.
h< -pi nj; to see a stable self-govern in j: democracy evolved by the Revolution.
With the d I in 1793, and onward, France, through her minis-

d upon Washington's government with ill-concealed con tempi
and sought to establish the Republican party in power. The prolongation

emacy of the Federalist party was dm- in great part to the un-
healthy attitude assumed hy the Republicans toward France.

30 James Sprunt Historical Publications

licans alike — except the intensest partisans of the latter — up-
held the President's hands.

In the summer of 1798, while the war fever was at its height,
North Carolina chose a state legislature and her ten representa-
tives to Congress. The Federalists won a definite majority in the
Senate and likewise a majority — though a small and waning one
— in the house. At the same time they carried six congressional
districts. In September Hon. Charles Lee, member of Congress
from Virginia, was able to congratulate the North Carolina Fed-
eralists in these terms:66 "The change in North Carolina is most
pleasing, and with so good an example before Virginia I trust this
state will amend her representation also. General Marshall is a
candidate in Richmond District, — Mr. Bushrod Washington in
Nicholas, etc." The six members elected as Federalists in North
Carolina were : W. B. Grove, Joseph Dickson, William H. Hill,
Archibald Henderson,67 Richard Dobbs Spaight, and David Stone.
As members of the 6th Congress the first four named uniformly
cast their votes with the Federalist party. Spaight and Stone,
however, influenced by the Republican agitation for repeal of cer-
tain obnoxious legislation68 of the 5th Congress, soon left the Fed-
eralist ranks and joined the opposition. Thus the party's con-
gressional gains were not in reality as great as they seemed upon
election day.

The North Carolina Assembly met in November, 1798, while
active preparations for war with France were still going forward.
Samuel Johnston was again to be found in the state senate, this

66 McRee, II., 536, Lee to Iredell.

67 Henderson was chosen from the Salisbury, or ''Western" District.
He possessed strong Federalist principles, bnt lis victory at this date seems
to have been due less to Federalism than to the beginning of a reversion of
the whole western part of the state to its old principle of antagonism to the
"East". For a sketch of the political differences between "East" and
"West" in North Carolina see the author' s State Rights and Political Par-
ties. Chap. III., pp. 60-80.

68 The Alien and Sedition Acts. The Republicans in Congress continu-
ously agitated for a repeal of the Sedition Act throughout the 6th Congress.
Spaight and Stone both became Republicans during this Congress and re-
mained with that party thereafter. Stone soon becoming one of its fore-
most leaders. See Annals of Congress, 6th Cong., 976, 1038, 1030.

JamefSfiruni Historical Publi 31

time id high oonfidence thai his party was at last dominant* Wil-
liam R Iv lently appointed Brigadier-General in the r-

army, was a member, of the lower honae. These two were

: vr and direct the Federalist majority. Though

much nf his time to preparation of the state militia for

war Davie < 1 i < I not at this juncture neglect hi- party's fort
He was brought forward by the Federalists as candidate tor gov-
ernor and on the itli of December was choa
of the two houses69 over his Republican opponent, Benjamin Wil-
liams. Up to this date Federalist revival of strength was clearly
due to the momentum gathered in the general rally of the country
to Adams' support in the crisis with France. Johnston wrote70 on
Nov. 28: "I have spoken to some members upon the subject of
addressing the President and find it pretty generally approved;
but I have waited for Davie before introducing it, that I might
avail myself of his influence in the House of Commons, in hopes
of getting a unanimous vote. All the members with whom I have
conversed are wonderfully federal. I say wonderful because I
never conceived it possible there could be so universal a conversion
in so short a space of time." Unknown to Johnston, however,
the wave of new Federalist vigor had all but reached its high-tide
and soon was to begin recession.

The two Federalist measures, the Alien and Sedition Acts,
were passed by Congress in June and July of the preceding sum-
mer. The alarm of war had excluded them from any special con-
sideration in North Carolina until near the end of the year.
The Republican counter-stroke, planned in the brain of Jefferson,
was now delivered in the famous Virginia and Kentucky Resolu-
tions.

The Federalist tone of the North Carolina legislature at the

uing of the session was noted in a preceding paragraph,

together with its choice of Davie as governor on December 4. On

69 In North (an.llna tin governor was chosen annually by the Qe

My up t-. the reform of the Constitution in 1835. After that date he
n by the ]><'o|.i<« biennially.
70McKee, I!.. 537. To bedell.

32 James Sprunt Historical Publications

December 2 i , the Kentucky Resolutions71 were laid before the body .
The situation was very accurately portrayed in the words of John-
ston on the 23rd:72 "An address to the President has been for some
days before the House of Commons without being acted on, and I
fear will come to nothing, though I believe it would pass the Sen-
ate without opposition. Two or three days ago the Governor73 laid
before the House of Commons a string of resolves from Kentucky,
prefaced with a most indecent and violent phillipic on the meas-
ures of the General Government' The Commons sent them up to
the Senate who, after, with great impatience, hearing them read,
ordered them to lie on the table; and I believe, in the temper they
were then in, might easily have been prevailed on to have them
thrown into the fire, which was proposed in whispers by several

near me." Again on the 24th: "After I wrote you -

a resolve came up to the Senate proposing to give it in charge to
our Senators and Representatives in Congress to use their influence
to procure the repeal of the Alien and Sedition Acts, which was
rejected by the yeas and nays — 31 to 8." It must be borne in
mind, however, that Johnston spoke as a member of the Senate —
a body chosen by freehold suffrage in North Carolina and hence
less reflective of public sentiment than the popular branch chosen
by free manhood suffrage. In fact the Republicans in the lower
house were now able to bind to themselves a sufficient number of
wavering Federalists to give them control. Hence on the 24th of
December the Commons, disregarding the Senate, passed strong
resolutions74 against the Alien and Sedition Acts and ordered them
forwarded to the State's Senators and Representatives in Congress
with implied instructions to vote for their repeal.

71 The Kentucky Resolutions preceded those of Virginia in point of time.
Both affirmed the sovereign character of the states ; that each state was its
own final judge as to the infractions of the Constitution by the federal gov-
ernment; and that whenever the latter assumed undelegated powers its acts
were unauthoritative, void, and of no force.

72 McRee, II., 542. To Iredell.

73 Samuel Ashe, a Republican, was then governor and would give place to
Davie January 1, 1799.

74 Journal of the N. C. House of Commons, 1798, pp. 75-77.

Jamet Sprunl Hittorieal Publi

A further evidence of the rapid declinj rengtb in

this legislature, due to the Alien and Sedition \ their

failure to choose tiie United w enator U ader

Martin, whose term was to expire March, 17(| in bad !

chosen aa a Republican in 175W and had given no grounda for i
ty complaint until 1798 when he had voted for the Alien and
Sedition Acts. He was now a candidate for re-election, evidei

having reasoned that the legislature, under war pressure, would he

pro-administration and thus hig n I. Bis plan was

almost BUCCeSSful, for the Federalists, though having a first choice75
of their own, were eventually willing to accept him76 in lieu of an
anti-ad ministration Republican. But when matters had been
to a crisis by tbe Kentucky Resolutions the Republicans in the
Commons not only repudiated Martin but determined upon his

litical death. A sharp struggle ensued from which the Republi-
can^ emerged with new strength, having effected the election of
J/^*(> Franklin, lately a member of Congress, and a rock-ribbed
Republican of the Nathaniel Macon type. f ^\)

With Davie inaugurated as governor, January 1, 1799, u/e
relists, hacked by his prestige, made one more effortHe-a^sert
control over the renegade members of their party in the lower
house. A measure was brought forward to transfer the choic
presidential electors from the people to the legislature. This plan
was unquestionably designed in preparation for the approaching
presidential election of 1800. 77 If carried into efTeet it would
offset the popular favor of Jefferson and probably enable the Fed-
eralists, hacked by the administration's patronage and influei
to cast the vote of the state for the Federalist candidate, presum-
ably Adams The party whip was vigorously used and all the in-

75 AJfaed Moore was the Federalist candidate. Pailin itorial hon-
be was chosen for the state bench and in 17W, upon the death of Judge

hvlril. wae appointed to till the vacancy in the United Btatea Supreme
Court.

76 McRee, II.. 540. Johnston to bedell.

77 Of. Dodd, i hanii-l Macon, 161. North Carolina was one of

the three Btatea in the Union at this date which chose their presidential elec-

i>y the district system.

34 James Sprunt Historical Publications

fluence of Samuel Johnston and Governor Davie was exerted with-
out avail. The lower house effectually balked the plan and would
have none of it.

Though somewhat discouraged by now the Federalists still
adroitly used the threatening aspect of the French War-cloud as a
plea for party loyalty. But as the first half of the year waned and
Adams still vacillated with respect to his French policy they began
to lay the more stress upon the dangerous disunion tendencies set
in motion by the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions. This argu-
ment possessed a certain potency in North Carolina because there
the habit was still strong of attaching large importance to Vir-
ginia's actions and in that state politics was in a ferment. Janu-
ary 24, 1798, Judge Iredell wrote that the Virginia Assembly was
pursuing steps which would lead directly to civil war, that a re-
spectable minority was still struggling in defense of the General
Government, and that the Government itself was fully prepared
and resolved, if necessary, to oppose force to force.78 Even Gov-
ernor Davie himself, to the middle of the summer, believed79 that
it was the fixed purpose of the Virginia Republicans to break
away from the Union, with the expectation that Pennsylvania and
the Southern States would follow. This concern over the domes-
tic situation unquestionably exerted a strong influence in North
Carolina, an influence that did not lose its force until the crisis of
the next presidential election was safely passed.80

In the meantime the Federalists in North Carolina lost their
original leverage — the war scare. Adams had suddenly faced about
and determined to send a new commission to France. The Fed-
eralist spokesmen in the State all opposed this sudden change in
the administration's policy. Johnston said:81 ''It appears to me
very extraordinary that the President should at this time appoint
ministers to treat with the French Republic, - - - at

78 McRee, II., 543.

79 Ibid. II., 577. Davie to Iredell, June 17, 1799.

80 The fact j/hat Adams received four elector votes in North Carolina the
next year, wfc&n Federalism was already much weakened in the state, seems
due to this influence.

81 McRee, II., 550. To Iredell, March 23, 1799.

Ja mis sennit Historical Publication! 85

y Mir time I cannot assume t«. < •, ident'a d

A probable thai the public are in possession oi tin;
whole of his information." John Steele, an equally
Carolina Federalist, Washington's appoii Comptroll

the Treasury, and -fill in oilier under Adams, iras Less

I his Criticism. He said:" "1 eon less I do not forbod

good from it [the embassy] , and on that accounl
measure has been adopted. Three solemn emha

our most distinguished d to go to Paris in suc-

eeesion, to beg peace and reconciliation with a government whose
enmity is now unanimously considered less dangerous than their
friendship, may serve to show our passion for humility and sub-
Mi; but it is impossible to think that as a Nation our honor
can be preserved or our interests forwarded by such condescen-
sions." Even Governor Davie, who was tendered and accepted an
appointment upon the commission,83 likewise had uneasy forbod-
dings relative to the wisdom of the mission. September 18, he
wrote to Iredell:84 "The appointment of Envoy is highly honor-
able to me and, under any other circumstances, would have
certainly agreeable; but the unknown and ever-varying situation
of the (Government to which we are addressed, its strange, unpar-
allelled character and unsettled policy, furnish no data upon which
D calculate the issue of our mission, and must cast the repu-
tation of those concerned in it entirely upon chance; and

ility will easily anticipate the anxiety I feel under these cir-
cumstances."

The admit use the Republicans made of the Alien and Sedition
Acts, the course of President Adams in the crisis with France and,
all, the removal of Davie at such a critical juncture in Fed-
ralisl affairs in North Carolina, constituted together a death-blow
to Federalist hopes in the State. We have seen the effects of the

/^{

82 Ibid, Q., 580. To Iredell, Aug. 5, 1799.

83 Ti ion "! Adams' w:is composed of Oliver Ellsworth.

William Vara Murray, and Davie. Tin' latter was appointed to till the third
r its declination by Patrick Henry, of Virginia.

84 IfcRee, Q., 684. Thirty-two days after the date of Davie- letter,

Jad« Iredell died.

36 James Sprunt Historical Publications

first two influences and it takes only a glance at the third to gauge
its importance. Davie was at this date by far the most influential
Federalist in the State. His work until now had been done in the
main as a member of the popular branch of the legislature in
which he exerted great personal influence upon men of both par-
ties. As governor this influence was increased rather than decreas-
ed. He was in a position to greatly strengthen his party. Had
he not been removed from this post by the appointment to France
he would undoubtedly have been retained as chief executive
for three consecutive terms. This was the practice in North Caro-
lina even though the election was annual. But upon his accep-
tance of Adams' tender, his followers fell into a panic and the
Republicans of the lower house were able, on joint ballot with the
senate, to force the election of a Republican successor.85 There
was no able Federalist of state-wide reputation, except Samuel
Johnston to take Davie's place and Johnston was not now either
temperamentally or by inclination fitted for the arduous task.86
The strongest of the remainder of the old band of Federalist lead-
ers who had fought so stubbornly for the union of the states were
either dead87, or had received federal appointments under Washi-
ngton and Adams,88 or were soon to receive such appointments at
the hands of a Republican president89 who was astute enough to
adopt this plan in order to conciliate and reconcile them to the
Republican regime that begun in 1800.

In the presidential election of 1800 the North Carolina Federal-
ists succeeded in naming four Adams electors, a number equal to

85 Benjamin Williams, of Moore County. Williams served three succes-
sive terms and upon retirement was followed by a# Republican.

86 Johnston was now on the eve of definite retirement from public service,
yet he consented in 1800 to accept an appointment to the Superior Court
bench which he resigned in 1803.

87 James Iredell and Archibald Maclaine were dead.

88 Iredell, Davie, John Steele, and Alfred Moore were the most notable
North Carolinians that received federal appointments under the first two
presidents.

89 Davie, John Steele and Benjamin Hawkins all accepted appointments
from President Jefferson, though Davie and Steele always remained steadfast
Federalists.

Jcmet Sprwti Hutorioal Publications 37

that of their representation i i -. lien-, apparently, was

evidence that the party was holding its own. But the result did
Qot truthfully indicate ti bate <»f the party"- rapidly dedin-

ing strength, Federalist principles had mnol do with the

ilt than did the fear thai in such a period of high p
it was probably unsafe to risk the country's fortunes in the hai
of an untried party. To many the Republican party had seemed
to voice a distinct threat to the principle of union in the Virginia
and Kentucky Resolutions and the danger did not yet appear to
be entirely pa

When it became known in February, 1801, that the elect ion had
resulted in a tie between Jefferson and Burr and that the House of
Representatives must choose between these two Republican candi-
dates, the Federalists began to intrigue with Burr, hoping to bind
that shifty politician to their interests as the price of their support
of his candidacy. It is a familiar story how Hamilton, m
trustful of Burr than of Jefferson, defeated the plan of his party
with such tragic results to himself. In North Carolina the Fed-
eralists, with a great deal of unanimity, refused to sanction the
original plan of elevating Burr at the expense of Jefferson, though
the latter was scarcely more attractive to them. Davie wrote:90
"The Federalists own the destruction of the constitution as an
event almost certain under the administration of Mr. on;

and as to the administration of Mr. Burr, although it may be ener-
getic, no man knows what course it may take. I have been visi
by a great number of the most enlightened friends of Govern n.
in this part of the country since my return and they all express
an insuperable repugnance to the election of Burr, urging his want
of character, etc." Despite this general repugnance to Burr in
North Carolina the State's four Federalist representatives in Con-
gress, after the first ballot,91 generally voted92 for Burr during the

90 Sprunt Monograph, .v>. 7, p. 43. Da .. 2, 1801.

Js letter nm written from Davie's home. Halifax.
1 Annals Of Oong , 6th Gong. 1029. The ■ ihliran memlx-rs invari-

y voted foi . from the first to the last ballot. On the first hallot

uree of th<- 1 voted for Jefferson.

'♦2 [bid, 1032.

38 James Sprunt Historical Publications

thirty- six ballots taken before Jefferson was elected. Being upon
the scene of action they proved to be more amenable to the organi-
zation whip than to the sentiment of their constituents.

Up to the inauguration of the Republican administration of Jef-
ferson on March 4, 1801, Federalism in North Carolina, though
stimulated by federal patronage and buoyed up by the encourage-
ment of three consecutive Federalist administrations, failed to de-
velop power to control more than a respectable minority of the
State's voters. Now, with the federal government Republican in
both its legislative and executive branches and all artificial stimu-
lus removed, it was less likely that Federalism could maintain
itself in vigorous life. Nevertheless the Federalist leaders did not
yet altogether despair. Four of the State's representatives in Con-
gress were still Federalist and as many Federalist electors had been
chosen in 1800. Some fortuitous circumstance might yet cause
the political wind to veer in their direction . Surely the political
barometer at the date of Jefferson's accession indicated squalls.

Hence it was with this feeling, and facing such a situation, that
Davie in August,93 1801, opened up a correspondence with other
Federalist leaders94 for the purpose of formulating some plan or
plans for the future of the party in North Carolina. The united
efforts of Davie and his like-minded party men . soon materialized
in the establishment of the Raleigh Minerva as the party organ — a
help the Federalists had been without until now — 1802. This
paper was to be subsidized from a fund made up by voluntary con-
tributions of Federalists together with an assessment laid upon a
coterie of Federalist gentlemen who originated the plan.95 Its end
was to be "the noble objects of suppressing falsehood, and dis-
seminating truth, of subverting the wild and visionary projects and
opinions of Democracy and advocating in their place sound, sub-
stantial, and practical principles of Federalism."9

93 Davie had returned from France in January, 1801.

94 Davie to John Steele, Sprunt Monograph No. 7, p. 46. Davie Letters,
Edited by Dr. K. P. Battle.

95 See Letter of Duncan Cameron to John Moore, September, 1802,
quoted from Nathaniel Macon MSS. by W. E. Dodd in Life of Nathaniel
Macon, p. 178.

96 Ibid, 179.

James Sprwni Historical Publication* 39

In the meantime the Federalists of North Carolina had madenp
a real political issue with their party opponents and were prepar-
ing to stand or fall upon it. Tl; the question as to
whether the State Legislature rightful in-
Btructing senators and representatives/in ( ision
was the dissent with which thAfotfr! Federalist re]
the Assembly'i instructions to ?ote for the repeal of the federal
Judiciary Act that had become a law in the li * of the ses-
L, just before Adams' term of office expired. By it the
federal Judi teiu liad l>ccn greatly «xtended and the Fed-
eralists had made themselves berths against the day of defeat.
Adams had been complaisant enough to help many of his followers
into these berths during the last dayfl of his administration. With
the incoming of the Republican administration of Jefferson his
party had at once hegun an agitation for the repeal of the new act
and a return to the old system. Thus not only would the new fed-
eral offices he abolished and the new Federalist officers deposed,
hut the greater good would be secured of delimiting federal authori-
ty in t! at ot State rights as represented by the state judici-
aries. The Republican legislature of North Carolina had promptly
supported the plan for repeal and, as above noted, instructed the

aators and representative97 accordingly. Archibald Henderson,
Federalist repn > of the "Western," or Salisbury District,

voiced in Congress the refusal of the State's four Federalist repre-
sentative- to be instructed.93 This had been the position j>f North
Carolina Federalists since the adoption of the Constitution and. as
has been noted earlier in this treatise, had proved disastrous to a
senator (Samuel Johnston) and representatives in 1793.
likewise in the congressional election of 1803, the recalcitrant
representatives, Archibald Henderson, \\\ B. drove, John Stanly,
and William II. Hill all lost their seats, each being displaced by ;i
Republican competil ite the fact that the whole strength of

97 Tl direct repreeentativefl <>i" the state through its k
latnre. intimation to the i tiv.- was con-
veyed in the form oi -i . bul the recommendation wae intend-

98 Anna' 7th Oong., 1-t Seas., 530, for Ihiiderson's speech,

40 James Sprunt Historical Publications

their party was arrayed in solid phalanx behind them on the in-
struction issue. At the same time the>*nfluential Davie stood for
congressional honors and went jdWnto qefeat on the same issue.
With this disasterous overturnlin 1803 tMe Federalist party organi-
zation was practically crushed jmd wa/ never again successfully
rehabilitated. — -^

Meanwhile a second form of attack had been launched against
Federalism in North Carolina which was even more insidious in its
influence than either the frontal or flank assaults of the Republi-
cans. This was a plan whereby President Jefferson purposed to
use the federal patronage in part to pick off the ablest Federalist
leaders and thus to ally them by interest to the new regime. The
same plan was pursued by Jefferson in other states and, in some, it
had greater direct influence upon Federalism than in North Caro-
lina; but there it effectuality prevented the party's ranks from suc-
cessfully reforming.

Nathaniel Macon, probably the staunchest Republican in Con-
gress, and member of that body since 1791, became Jefferson's
dispenser" of federal patronage in 1801. Macon at first wished to
make the test of Republicanism the standard by which officers
were chosen but was soon led by the astute Jefferson not to enter
upon a proscriptive policy toward the better known and most
influential Federalists. With this plan matured, arid an under-
standing reached between Macon and Jefferson, William R. Davie
and Benjamin Hawkins were approacfeed.iri June 1801, and offer-
ed a commission with General Janfes Wilkinson to negotiate with
the Southwestern Indian tribes. IHawkins/at once accepted and
was thereafter lost to the Federalist party/ Davie declined but
apparently not because of the sourceMrom which the appointment
came. Extracts from his correspondence100 at this date throw an
interesting light upon the insidious temptations Jefferson laid
before the Federalists in North Carolina in furtherance of his plan
to eliminate their opposition to his administration. In a letter to

99 Dodd. Life of Nathaniel Macon, 169.

100 Correspondence of Wm. R. Davie, Sprunt Monograph, No. 7. Edited
by Dr. K. P. Battle.

Jam$s Sprim t i 1 1

John Steel at Halifax on Ai ',' be said; My

:i;il engagements obligi here till the

of Oct' i journej iton and , and

from the 15th of October to the last of November I had •
be in Chatham and South Carolina; bo thai it was impo
me to attend any of the treaties for which I was appointed a Com-
missioner. As my affairs, therefore, would not admit <>f any
arrangement that could enable me I enl until Decembi

acceptance was at once out of the question. This busim
then derided by circumstances over which I had do control left
my own judgment without any ibility. There was, how-

ever, great difference of opinion among my friends with regard to
my acceptance of the appointment. My federal friends
erally violently opposed to my acceptance, while those who are
attached to the principles of the present administration discovered
great anxiety that I should accept the appointment and at
some of the treaties at least; it is unnecessary to trouble you with
their reasons, you will not be mistaken in their sub 'out I

it you to give me your sincere opinion. You are sensib
the high esteem I have for your judgment, and the manner in
which I appreciate your friendship. \\\ cases of this kind it is a
matter of mere chance whether a man forms a correct judgment
himself and therefore ought to rest impli itly on the judgment of
his best informed friends.' '*" V. -.., have no

definite means of knowing; hut certainly Davie reached the con-

• n that there was nothing inc it with l ralist

principles in the acceptance of a commission from the Republican

lent. T appointed upon and

cepted a commission t ith the remnant of the Tuscarora

tribe left in North Caroline and successfully completed the task.
Neverthele.-.- in th< never achiev-

ed its evident object, fo ir regarded himself as in any

way committed to of the \\ i party. He

'•ritic of the government, vehemently condemned
the repeal of the 4< mid -nightn Judiciary Act, and expressed the

101 The appointment hfl oade in June.

102 Sprant Monograph No. 7. p, id. Davie Corresj.

42 James Sprunt Historical Publications

view103 that soon there would be no other than the Lilliputian ties
of the public debt to hold the States together. Likewise, as we
have seen, in 1803 he was engaged in an endeavor to reform the
broken ranks of the Federalist party and stood for Congress only
to meet defeat. It was characteristic of the man and the purity
of his political methods that in this campaign he took occasion to
clearly advertise to his prospective constituents that he never had
and never would surrender his principles to opinions of any man
or set of men, either in or out of power; and that he wished no
man to vote for him who was not willing to leave him free to pur-
sue the good of his country according to his best judgment.104 He
seems to have feared that some Republican voters might be misled
as to his principles by the fact that he had accepted certain ser-
vice under a Republican President. After his defeat in 1803 the
Republican administration ceased to woo him. ' He never receiv-
ed public employment again, but retained a lively interest in pub-
lic affairs. He retired in 1805 to an estate he owned at Lands-
ford, South Carolina, but kept up a continuous correspondance
with his Federalist friends in North Carolina. Never softening
toward Jefferson and his administration, he nevertheless had high
hopes of President Madison, due likely to the old position in which
Madison had stood at the formation of the government. January
4, 1810, he wrote to John Steele105 while the country was still
smarting under the effects of the embargo and non -intercourse
policy inherited from Jefferson's term: "I sincerely believe he
[President Madison] is a man of great virtue. We all know he
has sense and the experience of many years in public life, and
they now say he has more promptitude and decision than any man
who ever filled the presidential chair. May God grant that this

103 Ibid, 52. • .

104 Ibid, 55.

105 Steele likewise had been an object of Jefferson's wooing. He had been
appointed Comptroller of the United States Treasury by Washington, which
office he continued to fill through Adam's term and was undisturbed in his
tenure by Jefferson who had Macon to urge him to retain the post, finally
himself requesting it. Steele did so until the fall of 1802, In that year, in-
fluenced by political propriety, he resigned and retired to private life. See
Dodd, Life of Nathaniel Macon, 180.

James SprwU Historical Publications 18

may 1h> true! Our affairs may yet do well."'' it lieless

when Madison's administratioD in 1812 drifted into war with
England instead ..I" with France, Davie losi .-ill faith in tl
dent and reverted to his old unyielding Federalist position. When
the discontent of the New England States with the administration's

policy and its conduct of the war had culminated in tie

siou movement and the H rtford Convention, Davie wi

* * the movement in the New England States and the m

strides towards despotism made by the party in power hav<

stunned and astounded me that I know not wh:it to Bay 0T write.
It really appears to me that the present confederacy will not
two years more and that Mr. Madison will finish his career amidsl
the ruins of his country." En 1814, however, the Madison ad-
ministration effected a peace with England in time the
Republican party from disruption and in such a way as to thor-
oughly effect the discredit of Federalism in its stronghold, the New
England States. Despairingly Davie wrote to his friend Steele:
"So infatuated are the people it is astonishing how little populari-
ty they [the Republican partyl have lost by their mismanagement
and blirfidc, In North Carolina Federalism had been dead
since /lS03;for all practical party purpose- excepl as a cloak for the
"Wesv* in its slowly reviving movement against the dominance of
the "East" in State politics.'09

106 Davie Cor. Sprnnt Monograph, No, 7. 65.

107 Ibid, 71. Davie to John Ste. .!9, 1814.

108 Ibid, 75. Feb. 4, 1814.

100 Bee the Author's State lights and Political Parties in North Carolina,

1776-1861, p far farther information on the political differences

between the "East" and the "West" in N. C.

III. Conclusion

The foregoing slight study of Federalism in North Carolina has
led the author to the following conclusions :

1. That the demand for a reorganization of the Confederacy in
1787-88 was not of itself strong enough in North Carolina to cause
the State to ratify the Constitution; that such ratification, effected
in 1789, was the result of the State's isolated position, the old
Confederacy having been automatically dissolved by the adoption
of the new Constitution in eleven of the old States .

2. That after the adoption of the Constitution by North Caro-
lina, Federalism, as representing a body of political principles
meaning, in essence, centralization of powers in the federal gov-
ernment, was of slow growth in the State and was never really
dominant in its affairs.

3. That only when the principle of union was threatened did
Federalism receive an accession of strength, the danger never last-
ing long enough to really ensconce the party in power. Such tem-
porary increase of strength came to North Carolina Federalism
during the excitement aroused by the Alien and Sedition Acts and
the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions ; likewise during the pre-
parations in 1798 for war with France; and, again, in 1800, when
the presidential election of that year seemed for a time to portend
a disruption of the Union.

4. That when the Federalist party's control of the federal gov-
ernment was broken by Adams' defeat in 1800, and the perpetuity
of the Union began to seem assured, Federalism in North Carolina
almost immediately disappeared, soon ceasing to maintain even
the semblance of a party organization.

LETTERS OF WILLIAM BARRY GROVE

EDITED BY

Henry McGilbert Wagstaff

LETTERS OF WILLIAM BARRY GROVE

Herewith are presented some letters, hitherto on published, <>!
William Barry Grove toJamee Hogg. Grove, a native of Payette
ville, represented his district in Congress from 17'.)! to 1808. Hi
friend and correspondent, James Hogg, a merchant, formerly
resided in Fayetteville also, doing business in that town and m
Wilmington. At the date of this correspondence he lived in Hills
boro. The letters cover the decade L792-1802. Since they are
few in number and scattered irregularly through the period they
should be used only in connection with the Grove Letter-
James Hogg) which have been edited and published by Dr. K P.
Battle in theSprunt Monograph No. 3, 1902. These cover the
same period and are complementary to those herewith pres<
It is helieved that the two series together make up the complete
list of Grove's letters to Hogg while a mem her of Congress, The
whole collection should prove valuable, historically, in that they
portray the feelings and actions of a Southern Federalist at a time
of high party tension in our national councils; this aside from'
their value as giving a more or less intimate view of the problems
confronting the federal government, its hopes and fears, during the
infancy of the Republic.

For an extended sketch of both Grove and Hogg see the James
Sprunt Historical Monograph No. 3, 1902.

To James Hogg.

Phila 20th Apl, 1792.

The St — ion i- drawing to a dose A' 1 hope the time is near at
hand when I -hall see all my friend- in Carolina, nevertheless as
Mi. Hunt* is going immediately to Hillsboro I cant omit writing

l Probably Ifemocan Hunt. of Granville, member of the first North Otio-

l i Mil Provincial Congress which met at Newborn August 25. 1774 to organize

48 James Sprunt Historical Publications

you a few lines on the subject of Locks — Canals &c ; I have agree-
ably to your desire2 made particular enquiry respecting the form
and materials proposed for Locks to be used in the navigation in
this State, and from all I can learn either from a model which I
have examined, or the conversation of some persons here who are
skilled in that kind of work, our Lock gate &c. is on exactly the
same plan & principles, We only differ as to the materials for the
Lock, Stone is plenty here and to be used altogether — I refer you
to the papers for the Political news ; in one of these you will see a
communication between Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Hammond3 res-
pecting the operation and intention of a certain clause of the Brit-
ish Navigation act: I judge some negotiations are going on between
The Plenipo. and The Secry. the nature of which are unknown;
some private inquireys have been made by the Secry. of the Dele-
gation of No. C. which induces this belief in me, I wish they may
terminate to the interest* and satisfaction of both Countries.

1 apprehend that nothing can be done this Session in Western
Land Business,4 or indeed with the Merchants Memor.,5 both sub-
jects are attended with circumstances perplexing to Congress —
You may have heard that the L. House is to be finished, and that

resistance to England ; also member of the Provincial Congress that met at
Halifax, November 12, 1776, and formed the State Constitution.

2 Hogg was a member of the North Carolina Canal Company organized
and chartered for the purpose of making the Cape Fear River navigable to
the junction of the Haw and Deep rivers in the county of Chatham. It was
a visionary scheme and part of the general plan of canal construction
which amounted almost to a rage at this date, 1790-1800. See McMaster's
History of the People of the United States, II., 74-75.

3 British Minister to the United States. Jefferson was Secretary of State
in Washington's first cabinet.

4 James Hogg, Grove's correspondent, was a member of the Transylvania
Land Company which assumed to buy of the Cherokee Indians an immense
tract of country making up a part of the present states of Kentucky and Ten-
nessee, hence he was vitally interested in the extinguishment of the Indians'
claims by the U. S. Government. A petition from the company to this end
rested before Congress in 1792-93. The sale was finally declared illegal by
the States of North Carolina and Virginia though at the same time the com"
pany was allowed a compensation of 200,000 acres by way of compromise.

5 North Carolina merchants had suffered the loss of a certain cargo, in
part slaves, that had drifted ashore upon one of the Bahamas and there con-

il Historical Publications 49

the District Fedl. Courl it .it Wilmington Alternately wh.

Newborn A Bdenton. The Indian bwh tade it

sary to Increase the duties on u on 2} p Ct.; I

kind oi 11. a;- will do! or; I con-

fess I think commerce is already pretty well bnrthened. Be so
good as remember me and about Billsbo

I am

Dear Sir

with rasped a- Eteta

Your very Hum

W. B, Gbovi

To James Hogg.

Phila. Jany. 2 1st, 1795
Dear Sir

About a fortnight ago the Deeds & papers respect-
ing your Indian purchase came forward. & at same time I reed,
yours of the first Decemr. on the subject' — the first opportunity
was embraced to bring forward the Petition &c they were referred
as usual to a Committee viz Mr. Smith S. Carolina, Mr. Blount,8
Mr Carnes Georgia, & two others who reported they conceived the
claim of the Transylvania Company's rested on the same ground
& principle that other claims for Lands in our Western Country,

fiscated by the British authoritias. The parties interested in the merchan-
dise petitioned Congress to secure compensation but seem never to have been
successful.

6 Th d Indians defeated General St. Clair on the Wiabaah River in

rthwest Territory. Nov. 3, 1791, causing general alarm in the whole
D country. To provide a war fund Congress increased the duties on
at out Mad Anthony W;. astise the Indians.

1 Hoggs interest in the Transylvania ! pa ny has been explained
in a former a- as a warm advocate of the claims of the <V)m-
pany. Thi- letter within itself very clearly outlines the nature of the Com-
pany's claims and the nature . . i it.- activities up to 17'-

2 Tl; int, member el Ooi Carolina 1793-179^;
1803-1800; 1811-1812. II \.i ;i bl in. Mount of Tennessee, sena-
tor from that tttA July 8, 1797, forcxcitii:.

tale iiniir.-ion.- ;:.' a in the Louisiana Terri

50 James Sprunt Historical Publications

which had been ceded to theUn. States, & therefore that the Peti-
tion &c. of the Compy. should be referred to the Committee of the
whole House who had under consideration the Subject of the Peti-
tion of Thomas Person3 & others with certain Resolutions of the
North Carolina Legislature — Mr Macon4 & myself were of a differ-
ent opinion, & he stated the reasons why the claims of the Com-
pany & other holders of Land in the Weetern Country differed
from each other in some important points; but they were referred
without any Special Reports and are now before the Committee of
the whole House with the other claims of our State for Lands in
the Territory ceeded to the Cherokees; What the fate of the busi-
ness will be is quite uncertain, tho I assure you, I fear not favour-
able.

An opinion is very generally entertained here that North Caro-
lina had no good right to sell those Lands untill the Indian rights
had been fairly purchased, or extinguished, and the Members from
the State are not in possession of any Document to prove that has
been done, since the Treaty held by authority of the State at Long
Island of Holstein in May 1777 — whereby the Indians seem to
have been much favoured by the Boundary lines, & Treated with
as a Free & Independent People — That Treaty of 1777 & the Hope-
well Treaty were less favourable to the Whites, than the- late
Treaty at Holstein by Govr. Blount, and therefore say many of
the Members of Congress the right of the Company's purchase in
1775 was affected by the Treaty of No. Carolina in 1777, and
therefore No. C. should settle the affair with the Company, &that
the grant from the State to the Coy, in 1783-4 for 200,000 acres of
that Land which the State had actually in 1777 guaranteed by
Treaty to the Cherokees, could not be a good grant, untill the In-
dian boundaries was altered by Treaty to include that Land ; or
untill the State had some better right to it than a Law (of one
party only) —

It is true we have™ no evidence of consent on the part of the In-

3 Thomas Person, of Granville, likewise had a state grant of land in the
limits of the present State of Tennessee.

4 Nathaniel Macon, M. C. from North Carolina, was the leader of the
Republican party in North Carolina and exceedingly influential in Congress,

James Spruni Historical Publications 51

diana to renlenguish any pari of the Lande secured t<> them in
1777 — and hew we must inataJ on ffa rijpAJ <v Custom qf <'<>,, (juest
after P7, in consequence ol a Violation on the part of the < 'ln-mkees
of that very Treaty of 171 7 ; A or Caroliii

in 1788- foropening the Land office A declaring the End!
boundaries & hunting grounds I ra —

thai this Law la neither againai the Laws of Justice or Nati
that tis only taking into | d & preparing for Cultivati--.-

Territory within the Chartered Limite of the State oof actually
occupied by Men — & to defray the expensed of the War againai
the Natives who were leagued with the Common Enemj — that
regard & proper attention to the Natives are not neglected in as
much as a tract of Country nearly 200 miles by in is reserved for
them including nearly all their actual places of residence &c &C
<fa — I cannot here omit saying that in my opinion the State of
No. C. had it fully in her power before the Cession to Congress to
have put every discussion or argument of this Subject out of the
question — That Henderson & Co. did fairly extinguish the Indian
claims to the Lands named in the Deeds appears to me clear
enough, hut whether the titles to these lands could with propriety-
Vest in them is a question I cant pretend to decide fully — if the
title however did not veM in them, it surely did in the Community
or State of which they were Members or Citizens Viz No. Ca. and
they should have been fully <C* generously compensated for such
eminent Service to the Community, and that community should
have enjoyed the advantages of the enterprize of their fellow Citi-
zens— but I believe our State declared the purchase of the Coy.
Void, and did not pretend to derive any advantage from it — this
was perhaps wrong. When our Troops marched into & subdued
these Cherokeee in 1776, 80 or 81 — after they had broken the
Treaty of 1777 there might most certainly have been obtained by
Consent {through/ear} aome acknowledgment from them, either

that they would remain at Peace iimler tin \ faa,

or that they would agree the line fixed in 1777 should he bo far
altered as to pay for the expenses of the War with Lands to

West of that line— Nothing of thia kind was done on the part of

No. C. whilst So. Carolii d herself of thai liingsto

52 James Sprunt Historical Publications

substantiate claims for some of her Western Country — We have to
encounter with another great difficulty in ascertaining how and
where the several treaty lines run, & those lines in the Compy's
deed on Powell & Holstein Rivers to point out the part & probable
quantity of Land included in the Cession to the Cherokees at the
late Treaty — We have a map of the So. Ws. Territory made by
Doer. Williamson5 from materials furnished by Genl Smith of
Cumberland as tis said, but all persons who know anything of
Powell River, Valley & mountains — Holstein, Cloud Creek &c &c
assert that the Map is most incorrect as respects that part of the
Country in particular — Which you will see is a great misfortune
as in that quarter all the Treaty Boundaries & purchases begin —
and it is in that country where the Company's 200,000 acres are
granted — I think your grant or patent should have been forward-
ed & the Law of the State granting the same — It being private is
not in Iredells Revisal which is only lately discovered — the sever-
al arguments and objections which I have stated to our claims &
rights are only those which in private conversation have been off-
ered, and I mention them to give you some idea of what may be
expected in a Public discussion

You may be assured that all the Members from the State will do
what they can towards effecting Justice to the Company & all
others claiming Lands under the State But between ourselves so
great and important a Subject should have very able, Learned &
Eloquent advocates, this (again between ourselves, as you don't
know it — ) is Not the case I fear — don't suppose I mean any
demerit to the Del n,6 I am certain we all mean well, but you

5 Dr. Hugh Williamson, of North Carolina, member of the Philadelphia
Conventien that framed the Federal Constitution ; member of the Congress
of the Confederation from 1784 to 1787 ; member of Congress from 17^0 to
1793. Dr. Williamson was a physician, naturalist, and historian. For an
extended sketch of this interesting personality see Wheeler's History of North
Carolina, II., 91, et seq.

6 Delegation from North Carolina in the halls of Congress. Evidently
Grove wishes to transfer the burden of the campany's interests from the
shoulders of the North Carolina delegation to the hands of counsel paid by
the company: yet he does not wish it to appear that he is not zealous for his
constituents' interests.

Jomst Spruni Historical Publications

know better than I can tell yon what one might ut oft: a

Man may be w ible of judging A forming a tolerable jusl

A determination on a Bubjeci when he bean all khe arguments,
take- all the evidence that may !><• offered, who would make a bad
hand of stating a- Burning ap all these arguments with dec* ocy —

In short one may be an Excellent .Inry man, who would he ;i had

advocate or Lawyer — and a number o! seem to impress

nu' with a belief that the Bttbjed of OUT claim- are more properly
a Judicial question, than a matter ni Legislative interferem
the first instance Was there any Court Competent to the Bub;

You shall hear from me as soon as anything is done in this bnsi-
ness, & therefore shall proceed to other matters of Congressional
deliberation &c

We have passed a Law for raising the pay of the Militia to 6 2-3
Dollars per Month when called into service I hope & believe there
may he few occations to trouble them — but you recollect there
was much uneasiness on this subject last summer in our State.7
Some further Amendmants are proposed to the Militia Law — in-
eluding a proposition of arming those Citizens who are not able to
purchi ;uip themselves &c — a Bill has passed our House

amending the Naturalization Law,8 prolonging the time of Resi-
dence to 5 years before Aliens can become Citizens and to make
Noblemen & others holding titles in Europe renounce such titles
before they are admitted to the rights of Citizens — these amend-
ments have been brought forward A: advocated under the impress-
ion that most of the Emigrants to this Country at this time & per-
bape for some time t<> come, are very highly charged with OM or
other of two political manias — the spirit of Aristocracy or of i
chy — both have indeed been in evident — but I CO

I was not so fully impressed with the Necessity or policy of this
Law as seemed to be generally the case with the Members — altho

there are & may be some such Characters, 1 am persuaded the

7 Caused bj the genera] opposition to the fi iw, fulminating
in Pennsylvania in the M>-caUed "Whiskey Rebellion" in 1794, the summer

previous to the .late ,,f this letter

8 This Amended Naturalisation Bill passed Into la* snd was ap;

January 29, 1795.

54 James Sprunt Historical Publications

good sense of the whole will never give way to their follies, and
mad views I feared such a Law might check the spirit of Emegra-
tion to this Country, which in my opinion for a Century to come
should be encouraged by every reasonable means; I am led to this
impression the more strongly by beiug a Southern Man ;9tho many
differ with me as to the policy of this Subject —

A very important subject is under consideration as respects the
whole community, tis the forming and establishing a Systematick
plan by Law for paying off and Sinking the Public debt10 — I think
it will be done, & if we remain at peace & our Revenues continue
increasing as for 2 years past & Government not extravagant, the
whole may be paid in 12 years, by redemption & purchase on the
part of Govert. without one penny additional tax — then being out
of debt the Government will have no excuse to continue any
Revenue Law" which may be thought impolitic or injurious — I
confess myself in favor of applying every nerve of the Governt.
towards melting down that Public debt which hangs over us, &
which has in many cases been considered as a Colossus of Specu-
lation12 which had infused itself into the Administration of our
Federal Counsils to the dishonour &c. of C - gr — Whether this be
true, or not is not in my power to answer but I fear there has been
too much reason to found such an opinion on and from my heart
as a Man, as a friend to Justice, to the Constitution & the Peace of
my Country, I lament it — and the sooner the possibility of such

9 Grove was singularly clear-sighted as to the needs of his own section,
though the vision of many of his compatriots had already begun to be
obscured by the incubus of slavery.

10 Upon the meeting of the 4th Congress in March, 1795, it was found that
the Republicans were in a majority in the lower house, quite a safe one at
first. This majority determined upon retrenchment in public finance as a
rebuke to the Federalist party. Grove, despite his ardent Federalist princi-
ples, sympathized with this purpose of his party opponents and lent it his
encouragement. Temporarily defeated, the plan was resumed when Jeffer-
son became president in 1801.

11 A reference to the federal Excise Law, passed by Congress May 8, 1792,
and repealed by the Republican Congress in 1802.

12 The assumption of State debts by the federal government during the
first Congress gave rise to much speculation in the public securities that to a
degree cast discredit upon Hamilton's wise financial policy.

.hunt's S/innif HutOfioal PuhHrtiti.0718

an influence (if it moved the bettei — and there-

fore instead ot Indian Wat ofl pay our Debts — and make

•i fair start— I i- I am oapable of judging from experience

in onr own Country, and reading of othi think a large I *n i •-

Lie debl the very opposite to a Public Blessing —
I make no doubl you partake hi the genera] anxiety respecting

the result of <>nr Demand (fee at the Court of St. James,' & a1 the
Silence of the President on that subject lie having not laid before

either House one Syllable of Mr Jay's Communication—

here think this amiss in him, hnt perhaps while the busineSB ifl in
a fair train & nearly completed it might he improper to disclose
part- therefore We are on the top of hope & expectation that all
things are well, & like to he better in a little time — before the
closes we must know everything, or — the public mind will
begin to despair — If events in Europe can have any influence on
the British Court ( & I confess to think they must have important
effects ) these events seem to favour our Expectations to obtain all
our Just demands —

I have seen a letter of the 2d. Nov. from a Merchant of 0
quence in London to one of that kind here, which enters into
detail of the nature & objects of Negoceation between the British
& American Ministers, he says Commissrs. are to he appointed to
fix on the Boundary to the No. Es. as fixed in the Treaty viz to
determine on the proper River St Croix — that all our Western
Forts are to be immediately delivered to us — thatCommi-
assertaiii the Loss of Negroes actually taken by the British during the
War a- payment made that all kinds of impediment are to be
removed respecting the payment & recovery of old Hritish dc
and \\ re to have a free trade to the Ws. Indies for Y

of or under 120 ton- — altho all these things are probable, politic,

A- just as respects both Nations, remember tis Men-bants News —

13 John Jay, of New York, had b to England in May 1794 to ne-

itfa that C'limtry and t<- settle all outstanding

\<t In. iii the Peace of Paris in 1783. Ah is well known, the

treaty when finally effected waa entirely unsatisfactory to the bulk of opinion

in this country, yet the Federalist |>arty, in an extra session of the Senate.

enough to for tttlcation despite the stern «>t* |

throughout the country.

56 James Sprunt Historical Publications

that I may have the pleasure of Conferming it all & more from
official information before the 3 of March is my Sincere prayer —
That Prusia has solicited and obtained Peace with the French
Republic14 Is Confermed from all quarters — that Spain & Germany
are Negotiating to that end with the French is also most certain —
that the States of Holland are Willing & must accept any terms is
evident for the French are nearly in Possession of their Whole
Country — The French begin to treat the Conquered People with
the strictest Justice & respect, & propose to grant the request of
the States of Holland, upon their, in every respect detaching them-
selves from England & its interest — Indeed it seems to be the
whole bent of the Convention & Nation of France to establish the
River Rhine as the extent and boundary of the Republic & to have
Peace with all the World but their old Rival and Enemy Gr Brit-
ain, who it seems they are Resolved to have one fair Campaign
with, perhaps with a view of paying that Nation in coin, as to dic-
tating a Form of Government for them — What the consequences
and results of all these transactions will come to the L — d only
knows — but I hope the Spirit of Moderation & humanity which
seems at present predominant in the Convention may bring about
a Speedy & glorious Peace to the advantage of the real liberty &
happeness of Mankind, in those Nations more particularly where
the reverse has been too prevalent.

That the French meditate some attack on G. B. and the WTs.
Indies seems the more probable, from the circumstance, that the
Paris papers say the Govt, are aware that too many of their Vast
armies should not be discharged at once & brought into the Body
of the Nation, before all things on a firm & proper basis are form-
ed on a Constitution & Laws &c. and therefore to humble the pride
&c &c of the British Court may be a proper object of Employment

14 The Republic of France, established September 2, 1792, was now rapid-
ly moving along that aegressive course which was to lead the nation into con-
flict with all Europe and was finally to culminate in Waterloo, 1815. All
public men in America were profoundly interested in European affairs during
all this period, and especially in that the influences of the European conflict
created the largest political problems of the young American Republic dur-
ing its first quarter century of life.

.hi ieal Pui>i>

of a half a million or ><> of their bra Culottes1 — This may

prove an ohstinato and Ve> fob to them lor altho John Hull

has been shamefully treated in this Wax, A mueh <.f hi
exhausted yet if all his family A' Connections unite and make War

their object without regard to Commerce as the French have done,
they would make a formidable and dredfuU reeistanoi —

F«»r my own part I donl think tie the real [ntert. oi Ami
that the Navy of 6r. Britain Bhoold h< bo formadable ae it i

it makes them very arrogant & dictatorial to People they have no
husiness with, & therefore I wish 0 I their force lessened —

Yet remember I should not like even our friends the French, to
have a Very decided Superiority on the ocean to all other Nations
in War Ships, and therefore I believe it would not be
them to distroy each others Floating War Machines down
moderate numhei — the Peace, Happiness, <fe Expenses of their
own People would he bettered by such an event — and the Ameri-
cans would have 1» r of either, of their futur<
mad projects —

I now thank you for your favr. of the 2d. Jany from Hillsboro —
the former part of this letter answer- it -<> far afl reepectfl the hand
hush:

-ure you I feel much obliged for the acct. y<»u g ofthe

affair between Boh & [0 I that

brt. your last. Mr Taylor" from Raleigh just mention
thing of the affair, in a slight & hasty manner, which would have
made me very uneasy hut for your letter, giving a full account of
the cause & manner of I5oh"s attack on bis old tutor;'7 hov
from your information <>f the business 1 approve of Bob's conduct,
only that he did not I fear give the Fellow a sufficient drubbing —

15 A name of reproach and ridicule conferred bj

■ tioae belonging to tl;<- extreme republican party, the members of which

had rei irt breed article Of <tn » j>eculiar to the upper

16 John Lou: Taylor, oi Fayttevillc iuhly
id. ant lien'. Be was a member Of the State Commons in 1792, 1793, 1794;
in 1798 In* R I ;« judge of the Superior Court, and in 1818 a jnd

the Supreme < kurt.

17 I have been unable to determine who was Bob or his tutor.

58 James Sprunt Historical Publications

for surely there could not have been in my mind a Baser, more
brutal, unmanly behaviour than your account of [One word illegi-
ble] conduct — to be sure the Fellow is lost to every sense of De-
cency and I hope all who have any pretentions to it will treat him
accordingly —

I ask pardon for this Long letter, when I sit down to write or
taulk to you, I generally forget how the time passes until the Bell
rings — Be so good as remember me with respectful compliments to
all my Female friends & acquaintances in Hillsboro; and say to
any of my acquaintances among the Gentlemen that I should be
glad to hear from them —

Pray how does Mr. Ker18 go on at Chapel Hill and is things like
to do well there ; the more I think of that Seminary & the State of
our Country I mean No. C. — the more anxious T am for its suc-
cess— our Country wants Men of literature more than any other
want on earth —

Morse's Book19 has injured the reputation of our State extreme-
ly, by his false, infamous account of the Country & its inhabi-
tants— the Book being the first of its kind published in America
since the Revolution was bought with avidity by Europeans, & has
undergone a French & German Edition — Dr. Williamson proposes
writing the History20 of the State & I have Subd for 3 Copies, he is
a man of such prejudices that I" fear all that time which he has
acted so conspicuous a part in the State — which is from his first
coming into it, that the Book will not be much prized — however
the early part of the History will probably be correct, for he has
great industry in procuring materials — some say he furnished
Morse with some of the most objectional parts of his acct. of the

18 Dr. David Ker, first professor and also, as Presiding Professor, the first
executive of the University of North Carolina which institution had just been
opened Jan. 15, 1795, six days before the date of Grove's letter.

19 American Universal Geography, by Jedidiah Morse, D. D. This book
reached its fifth edition in 1812, being published in that year by Thomas and
Andrews, Boston, Mass.

20 Williamson's History of North Carolina appeared in 1812. Grove proved
to be singularly correct in his estimate of the probable value of William-
son's work, parts of it being of unusual value, due in the main to the author's
indefatigability in the collection of material.

Jamctt Spruiit flistnrirnl I'lililinititm-i 59

State, if I thought bo I would him —

Carey is now publishing a Geography of the I'n States, and I
have got him to expunge all Moree's lil I .Martin'""

has written several little additionfl to the ftoct. o! tli that

in some measure may commence a refutation of that illiberal and

ignorant authors Book — (Morse'.-) — I have taken eaie th;it OUT

Town A Wilmington should not be unnoticed — as respects their

Trade &C &C

I intended to bid you Adieu two sheets ago hut finding myself

entering on the last side of the fifth sheet ^v 20th. i>ag< — i

Compassion for your Patience and hid you Farewell, with a COnfi-

danoe that he who writes or taulks much must be troublesome to
his friends — pray then forgive all tin* Superfluous of this Letter

and

believe me

with esteem

your friend

A very Hum. Ser.

YV B Grove

To James Hogg

Phila. June 24th. L7ff

Dear Sir

Mr Rich & Mr McDonald the Commis-
sioners on the part of G Britain arrived in May, A met Colo [nnis1
& Mr. fttzmmmona the Commisars. on the part of the D Stat
adjusting the Business of the old British debts agreeably to Treaty,

a Mr (Juilmard was nominated by the British for the 5th Com-

21 Alexander Marti eted governor ol North Carolina in

1782 and again in 1789; member o! Philadelphia Conftituaonal Conventionj

1787, and init. Senator 1793-1799.

1 Colonel Henry Innis of Virginia, afterward federal District Jnd
Kentucky before wliuni wnt bad tlie Frankfort hearing ol Aaron Bnrr just
before the latter*! conspiracy wai uncovered in 1806.

60 James Sprunt Historical Publications

missr., & Mr Ames2 on the part of the U States; the Lot fell on the
former; they have formed a Board and are ready to enter on the
subject of their appointment, as you will see by their notice in the
Ns papers; No Business has been yet brought before them, & Mr
Innis with whom I am in habits of intimacy, tells me they have
agreed on no particular principles yet, as to the mode & manner of
establishing claims; He is opinion all claims must have gone
through the Courts of Law before they can be entered on, by Com-
missioners, who he thinks have not by the Treaty Original Juris-
diction, this however he fears is a point to be contended, and
should it be settled in such a way as to extend the powers of the
Commissn., from whose decision there is no appeal he expresses
an apprehension that considerable sums may be awarded against
the U States, which were not intended by the Treaty to be covered.

Mr Innis says he finds a disposition on the part of some of the
Gentlemen to make this place the permanent Seat of the Board,
but that he shall urge a removal to the South in the fall : agents
will be appointed to attend to the interests of the U States, to
obtain testimony & prevent frauds & Collusions &c — A report was
some time ago in circulation that the Commissn. in London for
adjusting claims for Spoliations had refused to proceed, it seems
this is not so; the Court of Appeals had indeed adjourned, which
might retard the decisions of the Commiss. for a short time. I
suppose tis not improbable but the failure of the Federal Court in
N. C.3 may have a like tendency — I regret really that our State
has been so unfortunate in failures of this kind, which must
increase the dissatisfaction of many, & bring those Courts into dis-
repute.—

Our affairs with France wear's a gloomy aspect, and yet many

2 Fisher Ames of Massachusetts, ardent Federalist, member of Congress
from his State, famous political orator, one of his best known speeches being
that in defense of the Jay Treaty made April 28, 1796, two weeks after the
Senate had ratified that document.

3 A quorum of the Judges of the Circuit Court for the District of North
Carolina did not attend for the June term, 1797, hence there was no court.
This made necessary a congressional act, approved July 5, 1797, for review-
ing and continuing suits and processes. See Annals of Congress, 5th Cong.,
1797-1799. Vol. III., 3692. Acts of Cong.

James Spruni fflttoriccd PMication$ 61

have hopes that matters will be more amicably adjusted i»v ottt
n.w missioD of Kn may

. and for tin- sake of the r>n; A- ,,
should suppress the honest indignation •

foftite, provided they adjust matters with Justice A- liberality — I
can not omit saying what I firmly believe, that many among us
have been induced to justify the French more from theentht
we felt at the blaze of their Sue ban from any candid i

tigatioo which can be made into their Conduct I the Uni-

ted States I Buspect those* in our own Country who blame the
American Government for pursuing measures calculated to main-
tain the Neutrality 6i the Country, have themselves been neutral, and
therefore blame the Constituted authorities because their art- did

0 the length of their mad Views — While we
pect of a great Nation obtaining rational Liberty, we ought not to
forget the Duty & respect we owe to our own rights & Country.

Congress will rise in seven or eight days, without doing any-
thing more of Consequence than taking some preparatory steps for
Defence in case of the worst.

The Spanish Government has refused to run the line from the
Mississippi agreeably to Treaty7 and offer some very flimsy pre-

4 This was Adams' first mission to France, composed of Charles Pfnckney,
John Marshall, and Elbridge Gerry, the treatment of whom l>y France re-
sulted in the Eamoofl X.Y.Z. affair.

5 France was in a deadly grapple with England and resented An:,
policy of neutrality. Her minister, Fauchet, accused the America, govern-
ment of the violation and inexecution of treaties, one of which, made in 1778,

I as an offensive and defensive alliance; the other of amity, navi-
gation, and commerce under which France claimed the right of bringing
prizes into United State- ports, ami of tittim.: <>nt ships against her en
all of which the Ameriean government Oppc

6 Grove's complaint here is direct I the Republican party, whose

Sympathies were pro-French. • ralists' sympathies wen- with the

English in 1 mteniational conflict, [n case the policy of neutrality

aixloncd the Republicans wished t<> fight England, wl ile v
riahed to fight Prance.

7 In 1796 the United States had affected a treaty vrith Spain by which the

made a p<Tt of
I the thiru latitude agreed upon as part <»f the

southern houndary of the Tinted States. Butinl797 this excellent treaty

62 James Sprunt Historical Publications

tences for this Conduct, but it is pretty well understood that
French influence is the real cause, & it is said the Florida's &
Louisiania8 is to be relenquished to the Republic ; perhaps Canada
may also fall into their hands — If so I fear from their power and
ambition, they may become troublesome neighbors to this Country.

The Empiror has certainly been driven into a separate Peace in
consequence of the wonderful victories of the French armies, the
terms have been dictated by Buonaparte9 under the direction of the
Directory; a Congress is to be held at Basle" at which some of the
German Princes & G. Britain are to be permitted to send Negociators
to effect a general Peace ; in the mean time it seems from French
papers the Republic are resolved to annihilate the British Govern-
ment & destroy her Naval power if she can —

If these things are effected it must have great and important
consequences on the affairs of Europe and the Commercial Wourld,
and I am not persuaded but it would have an unhappy influence
on the affairs of our own Country; for either France, or G Britain
to have such a Complete power over the other, would destroy rival-
ship which has at times prevented both nations from overrunning
the rights of others.

Be so good as remember me to all friends & believe to be with
esteem D Sir

Your Hum Sert.

W. B. Grove

seemed for a time likely to fail. Spain had taken offense at the Jay Treaty
with England and refused for a time to run out the boundary line which
separated her possessions from those of the United States.

8 West Florida and Louisiana were both possessions of Spain at this date.
Louisiana was ceded by Spain to Napoleon at the secret treaty of San Ilde-
fonso, 1800.

9 These terms were not actually signed between Emperor Francis II and
Bonaparte until October 17, 1797. It was the treaty of Campo Formio dicta-
ted by Bonaparte to Francis, one hundred miles from Vienna and after his
wonderful victories in northern Italy. By it the Emperor agreed to the ex-
tension of France over the Netherlands and the Rhenish Provinces, and the
virtual annexation of Lombardy, Modena, and the Papal States, while Aus-
tria was allowed to take over the ancient Republic of Venice.

10 This Congress actually met at Rastadt, November, 1797, but did noth-

James Sprwrti Historical PubUcations 69

1 m Hogg.
Philadelphia Deoem.

Dear Sir

I wrote you a ten lines sometime ago and ezp
ly to have the pleasure of an answer, In the mean time I
I should give you some information on the budJ it Money

put into my Hands to be vested in some public fund here In the
first place the Gold when weighed at the Ban! amounted to
of course you lost $2.61 — as the sum you iravc me was 8X10.1 —
but had not the enclosed moidore (contained in parcel No 1 — )
proved base, your money would have over run your calculation —
It was cut at the bank. — This money I deposited in the Bank on
the 18th. Nov. — and have since Deposited the $500 you gave me
in paper.

I mentioned to you that Mr Steele1 & others had advised the
purchase of Bank Stock, Viz Bank Shares, in preference to 6 p Ct.
Stock as less liable to fluctuation or depreciation — Bank Stock is
above par, & the other something below, but on further enquiries
into the subject I dont perceive so much difference in their
Valvu a- I at first apprehended — for instance a Bank Share say
$400 sells at 23 to 25 pr Ct. advance, and the Dividend on ti
gen. rally 7 p Ct. to 8 p Ct. hall yearly — 6 p Ct. Stock is about 17
having had 2 years of the original principal of 2 p Ct. on each
$100 paid agreeably to Law, and the redemption continues to go
on at that rate quarter yearly until the whole debt shall b
deemed — this redeemable quality in the Debt of the lT. States, les-
sen- its value with Stork Jobbers. But tis an admirable plai

tie public to get rid of the Debt — and should not be deviated
from under No Circumstance*; but in case of War or any great pub-

yond the ratification oi the secret articles of the treaty ofOampn For-
mic England was oof represented and oontinnsd the war France.

l John v< ilisbury, \'.<\. Comptroller of the United States 1

ory under Washington's and Adams' administrations, and for two
under Jefferson. He resigned bis post in the fall of 180_.

64 James Sprunt Historical Publications

lie disturbance, this redemption of principal as well as payment of
interest wight be delayed; but I hope & trust neither will happen,
notwithstanding the gloomy prospect of things for some time past
as regards our affairs with France. I have advised also with Mr
John Storey,2 the friend of Mr Jno Hogg,3 who I shall get to do
the necessary Business as regards the purchase of the Stock &c.
which I shall attend to, so as to see the proper transfer made —

The reason why nothing has been yet done, is, that it being so
near the end of the year, & quarter Mr S. thinks it best to purchase
so as to commence from the first of Jany., and he is now casting
about for a sum to or near the amt of Cash, I hope ere long to give
you further accounts, and I am now the more particular to afford
you a better idea of these matters than perhaps you may have
had before —

We have had more harmony in Congress than usual, & I hope a
Continuance of it, tho' there has been very little yet before us of a
nature to Excite the Spirit of Party — I send you the Report of
our Committee of last Sessn. & the Documents relative to Blounts
Conspiracy4 — you will perceive Mr Liston5 gave more Countenance
to the Scheme, than had been apprehended, and I would not be
surprised if the President should request his recall ; it would grati-
fy many who think Mr L. has had more to do in the Business than
has ever appeared, & it would silence those who wish to make a
Charge of partiality against the Government — You will also dis-
cover an attempt to insinuate that the Secrty. of State6 was desir-

2 Probably a stock broker of Philadelphia.

3 Cousin of James Hogg. John Hogg was a merchant, doing business in
both Fayetteville and Wilmington and residing in the main in the latter
town.

4 William Blount, first United States Senator from Tennessee, impeached
before the bar of the Senate and expelled for exciting the Indians and Ten-
nessee and Kentucky adventurers to make hostile incursions against Spanish
territory.

5 Robert Liston, minister to the United States from Great Britain, was
included in the plan to make war on the Spanish Floridas. It was for co-op-
eration with this English scheme of wresting the Floridas from Spain that
Wm. Blount was impeached.

6 Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State under Adams.

James Sprwti Historical / >n8 65

one i" screen the British Minister- foliation

oeeded from Malice, or a misunderstand
to Ripley.

Our Knv . bul We yet know npthlnj

: I need ool tell you that We are all anxiety on tin
As the result of their Mission I apprehend mast have an important
influence on the affairs of this Country, I earnestly hope it m
favourable to Reason & Justice.

There is some flying Report thai French (■ ure in

or all of the Ports on the Mississippi I hope tis not true nor never
may he; they arc too Powerful and Ambitious to be honest and
Just Neighbors.9

Few arrivals latterly from Europe, but what have long passages ;
but information has got here from several quarters that Admrl.
Duncan" had a most severe action the 12th. Oct. with the Dutch
Fleet — 8 or 9 of the Dutch line of Battle Ships arc taken and
some of the British Vessels nearly disabled —

It was expected that 3 years after the Mint began to Coin, there
would be a Sufficiency of the Silver Coins of the Ud. States in cir-
culation," to admit the calling in such Bilver Coins as are rap]
to have more alloy than is proper, hut it is proved to be other
& the time admitting those coins to circulate will he prolm
as well as for gold coins —

7 Probably General William Eaton, a captain at tins date on the Seminole
frontier in Georgia, later, in Jefferson's administration the real hero of the
Tripotitan war.

8 Pinckney, .Marshall, and Gerry. Grove's fears were fully realised a lit-
tle later in the X.Y.Z. explosion.

(.» The general American dread of France as a neighbor on our southwest-
ern border accounts for Jefferson's disregard of constitutional scruples and
-ty purchase of the Louisiana territory in 1803 after it had been trans-
to France in 1800.

10 Admiral Duncan, of the Rnghflh navy, defeated the Dutch Meet off Cam-

perdown, on the coast oi Holland, Oct., 11, 1797. The Dutch were allied
with the French.

11 An a< •• 1793 had provided that, thre

on which the first oin and again three years from the day on which

id coin was -truck at the mint. BfOld and silver liearii.
aniah milled dollar- and pal

66 James Sprunt Historical Publications

The Stamp tax12 will not go into operation until 1st. July — I
hope we shall alter and amend the Excise Law13 so as to remove
your objections, in part, at least — by permitting the Distillers to
enter for one week, at any time through the year,- and from Week
to Week as they may think proper —

I will thank you to remember me to my friends Mr & Mrs Estes
and inform them, I mean to write Mr Estes soon — I suppose they
have heard of my Brother Robert Rowan14 affliction with the Rheu-
matism.

When he arrived at New York from the Lakes he was as help-
less as a Child, he could neither use hands or legs — I Visited him
immediately on hearing of his situation, & am happy to say he
was much better before he left New York for Wilmington, & that
the Medical Men say they have no doubt but that the warm cli-
mate, warm bath & Electricity will soon restore him — Be pleased
to offer my respects to your family & be assured I am Dear Sir,
with Esteem

yr. Hum Ser.

W B Grove

cease to be legal tender. In 1797 when the three years had expired it was
found that the U. S. mint had not supplied a sufficient coinage, hence the
time had to be extended.

12 In anticipation of war with France the Federal Congress in 1 797 pass-
ed a stamp act that required a revenue stamp on such documents as insur-
ance policies, merchants' bonds, promissory notes, bills of exchange, law
licenses, and many other documents. It fell under severe criticism of the
Republican party in Congress and was repealed in 1802.

13 This was the Excise Law of 1791 against which the Pennsylvania distil-
lers rose in 1794; repealed during Jefferson's first term, but reimposcd in
Madison's administration under pressure of expense of war with England.

14 Half-brother of Grove. Grove's mother, as a widow, married Robert
Rowan, of Fayetteville, who gave the name Rowan Street in that town. The
elder Rowan was a member of the General Assembly from Cumberland coun-
ty in 1778, 1779, 1785. A daughter, Susan Rowan, became the first wife of
Dr. Joseph Caldwell, first president of the University of North Carolina.

.It iixs Spruni Historical Publications
To ><jg.

IM.il:. Janj I8h. 17

Dear Sir

I some time ago directed Clement Biddle, Brol
purchase Stock ol the 0. States to the amount of your money say
Dollars & by mistake he ban

omitted to invest 7 Dollars ;>7 cents — I now Bend yon enclosed ;.
1. Certificate being the evidence of the sum standing on the
Books of the Treasury of the U. to your credit, the interest,

and reimbursement of 2 p Ct. thereof, can only be drawn by youi
atty for that purpose.

Mr. Biddle's acct. if inclosed by which yon will see the real
state & nature of your Stock, leaving in my hand- 7 Dolls. A 87
Cents subject to your order, or to be added to any other sum you
may choose to invest in this way —

In reply to your enquiries how monies can be got from OUT
Country to this place, I can give you no information unless you
can meet with Bank notes.

I have made some enquiries about the Value and probability of
selling your Lands in Tennessee <fe Kentucky within Henderson
grants'; I am told these Lands must become Valuable, but at
ent nut more than half a Dollr. could he had for the Kentucky
Land, <fe the Value of Powels Valley will depend on the >
guishnient of the Indian claims, and this event is likely to take
shortly, as the President ha- nominated Mr Ad. Moore3 of
N. C. Bushrod Washington* of Virga. & Fisher Ames,4 to hold a
Treaty/with the Cheros;eea under hope that they may he prevailed

1 The Transylvania Land Company, explained in an earlier m

2 Alfred Moore, senior, ".' Brunswick,

Carolina, L790-1 Judge 1708-17(.>9;

the United States Supreme Oonrt 1799-1805; n ant of ill]

and died Oct., 15, 1810.

President Washington, member of OongreaB from Vii
appointed by Adams an AwBOciate ■> kmrt,

4 Fisher Amee, "i noted earlier.

68 James Sprunt Historical Publications

on to sell & relinquish some of their Lands to which the white
People have legal claims under N. Carolinia, and I am induced to
think tis probable, that part of the Country where your Lands are
situated is the most likely to be given up by the Indians —

I hope Mr Moore may be prevailed on to accept and act in this
Business; there are very considerable interest in No. Carolina de-
pending on this matter, & indeed the Peace hi the Country is in
some measure at stake, for the honest claimants will never be at
ease until they see a fair attempt made on the part of the U. States
to obtain those Lands from the Indians, & the weight & respecta-
bility of the Commissioners will go far in satisfying good Men let
the result be as it may — I wish the frauds5 lately discovered at
Raleigh may not have a bad effect in this Business, I assure every
Body here, the State mil sift the matter to the bottom and not permit
any of those fraudulent claims to prevail — yet it may create
doubt &c &c

In haste I am

D Sir your Hum Sert

W. B. Grove

To James Hogg.

Phila. Jany 18th. 1798

Dear Sir

By this mail, & of this date, I have sent you a let-
ter covering a Certift. of the Six p Ct. Stock which was purchased
with Sixteen hundred Dollars Cash at 16/lOd in the pound — I
hope that letter & its enclosures may arrive safe — you must have
an atty or agent here to convert your interest & dividend of reim-
bursement, as it becomes due at the end of each quarter into New
Capital by this means it has the effect of Compound inters —

5 Certain frauds in the Land Office at Raleigh under Glasgow. Glasgow
was removed from office in latter part of 1797 and a commission appointed
to sift the whole matter.

James Sprtmi Historical PubUeaHof^s 60

The CommiserB.' on British debts have done nothing decisive yet,
as Mr Fitzsimmona tells me; they have been delayed by their Col-

■.He ('oh. [nnifi of Virga. irho baa been very ill; they bave I
ever been preparing Business and will probably soon p >fli

on principles after that ifl done they will make k of

such claims as may be brought before them - and I fear they will
bring us in deeper than waa expected— this will certainly be the
cast' if it is determined to take up any Busineee thai has not gone
through a Court.

I am amazed you have not urged your Brothers Creditors2 for-
ward before now; If 1 have rightly understood the situation <»f
that Concern, they have claims for legal impedimenta if any in
America have — In my letter,of to-day I have told you what bad
hem done towards satisfying the No. Carolina land holders in
Tennessee;3 I hope the result of it may be favourable to all sides
and that Mr. Moore may agree to act as one of the CommisBionei
I think it would be hut Justice that some of the gentry lately taken
in committing frauds4 should grace Gallows Hill — Nothing hut
hemp will keep such fellows from preying on the honest par'
the World I apprehend as long as they live —

I am both ashamed & chagrined at the Conduct of my old friend
Grenl. Willis;5 1 told him [Words illegible] delicate terms as I

1 Mr. Rich, Mr. McDonald, and Mr. (iuilmard on the part oV

tain and Mr. [nnis and Mr. Ettasimmons on the part of the United SM

2 .lames Hogg and his cousin, John, were members «>f ■ mercantile firm
doing bufdness in Wilmington and Fayette vi lie and had suffered certain losses
at the bands oi the British daring the Revolution. The* wen- now looking
to the commission t< »r an adjustment.

agrees bad lately appointed a oommissinn consisting oi Bushrod Wash-
ington oi Virginia, Fisher Ames oi Massachusetts and Alfred Moore of North
Carolina to undertake i negotiation with tin- Cherokee Indian- with ■ view
extinguifihing their claims to lands in Tennessee that had been granted hy

North Carolina l».t«i the federal government.

4 The frauds in the land office, mentioned in a former tetter and explain-
ed in note

5 I am unable to determine who General Willis was, <.r the import of this
nenoe. It may have been John Willis • on county, member oi

1787-1791, and member of the Common 1905; also a

trustee oi the State University from 1795 to 1801,

70 James Sprunt Historical Publications

could that he was [Words illegible] the first, but I had no. concep-
tion he would have bottomed his opposition in the manner and on
the grounds his Petition held forth ; it seemed to be the mere effu-
sion of Violent Passion directed against a whole People.
With best regards

I am Dear Sir

your Very Hum Ser.

W. B. Grove

To James Hogg.

Phila. Feby 14h. 1798

Dear Sir

I have latterly had such a host of letters to answer
from different parts of the State, that I postponed writing you im-
mediately after the rect. of yours of the 18 Jany covering a line
for Mr Storey:1 I am now to acknowledge that letter, also yours
of the 26 same month enclosing the unfortunate Generals paper
War, from which it appears he so exposed his lines as to suffer the
Enemy to break through them & cover him uith disgrace

I can assure you I have felt not a little Chagrined at the whole
of ihis affair — With you, and many others I entertained a good
opinion of Genl. Willis, and indeed had a regard for him beyond
common friendship, and as I was confident he knew it, I took the
liberty of prevailing on him not to Contest the Election of his
opponent, and said more to him on that head than I would to most
of my acquaintances; but he was Resolved, little did I expect he
could or would have gone on the ground he has taken — I have
written my mind fro him pretty freely —

Mr Storey ..will write you in answer to your letter to him, and
s,iys he will attend tu your Business, rest assured that I shnl! atall
times aid him, in any of your desires as to Matters here, with
pier sure.

1 A Pi jladelphia stock broker, referred to in letter of date Dec. 18, 1767.

'ties Sprunt Historical Publications 71

theCertif. of your Stock hae reached yon in Safety, anP
thai you are do1 dissatisfied with what I done, tlm' I ; that

6pC have bllea to i<> 8d.

[ should adi till to lay out your money in Bank Stock,

a Share originally was 400 Doll, they are oyer par from 20 to 22
pC — so one share costs f£80. to 488 any Surplus over tin- price
B it to be laid out in 8 pCt. — so you will have ;ill your
money I'rstnl; and in case of any Uproar, war (fee, your Hank
Share- arc safest — tho' I am of Opinion all the fund- arc BeCUre,
yet they may not be BO in the public estimation — this is saidt<
a fine time to purchase as the uncertainty of affairs have a greater
effect on the Stocks than the risk warrants —

As I wrote you fully on this subject before, I need add nothing
more; I also a<ked you the price of your Kentucky Land- (fee <fa ..
this however is a bad Market I am told for new La mis. yet I might
fall in with some person inclined to purchase if I could Bay at what
price you held them.

Pray will Mr Moore accept the appoint, of Commissioner to treat
with the Indians, it is considered of importance here, thai some-
thing should be done If Possible to obtain those Lands from the
Cherokees — The Executive is fully of this opinion, & therefore he
made bo weighty an appointment as Moore, Washington and An
In consequence of the Death of Genl Skinner the Commissr.2 of
Loans, our Senators9 & Mr Steele,4 recommended Colo Rowan9 to
fill that offce, and the President has nomenated him, he will I sup-
pose be concurred with by the Senate — & the office will be kept at
Payette Ville-

2 Joshua skinner, of Perquimans county, appointed commissioner of
l<»an- i.y President Washington; vras member of State Senate 17W-1794.

3 Timothy Blood worth, of New Hanover, ai ler Martin ol < itiil-

botfa Republicans. Bloodworth succeeded Benjamin Hawkins. Feder-
alist, in 1795, and Martin bug unuel Johnston, Federalist, 1703.

4 General John St Salisbury, comptroller of the I -ury
under Washington, m<l through a pari n's first term; was.
influential in the distribution ol federal patronage In North Carolina.

5 I. .olutionary patriot ; tir-t Riga

land Association," June 20, 1775, formed tor the purpose of resis-

tano n ; frequently a member of th ;islaiurefrofa the Revo,

lution to 1785.

72 James Sprwit Historical Publications

No accounts from our Envoys in France that are official — some
late news state that 3 Commissrs. are named to adjust differences
with them at Paris, bad news is apt to travel fast, or I should have
no hopes left, as things are, I have yet some hopes6 —

We have been shamefully perplexed with a Dirty matter com-
mitted in Congress Hall, by one of the members on the Person of
another,7 on the outside of the Bar of the House — you read the
papers & need say nothing of it, as those Vehicles of Scandal are
filled with it, to our Shame — It may not be amiss to say Lyon
spit in the face of Mr Griswould, & we could not expel him for
this dirty assault — 64 Votes made 2-3d. & 52 only Voted for his
Expulsion, 44 against it— As an example I wish he had been Ex-
pelled, it is proper to deal with severity against those who shall
dare to Violate the Sanctuary of a Deliberative assembly.

I want to say a great deal more to you, but at present have not
time — Remember me to all friends, and be assure*! I am
D Sir

with regard & esteem

y Hum Ser

W B Grove

The Snow is 6 inches deep
& the river again fast —

6 See Note 4, letter of date June 24, 1797.

7 Matthew Lyon, member of Congress from Vermont, rabid Republican
and very much hated by the Federalists, made an attack on the floor of the
House upon another member, Roger Griswold of Connecticut. The House
failed to expel him, though he was later tried under the Sedition Act for the
publication of a letter in a Vermont paper severely criticising the government
for its "ridiculous pomp, foolish adulation, and selfish avarice." He was
fined $1000 and sent to prison for four months. His friends got up a peti-
tion for his pardon, but as he refused to sign it, the President refnsed to par-
don him. But he was triumphantly re-elected to Congress while still in
prison,

Jamei Sprunl Hittorical Publicatic

him ■ 11'"./!/.

IMiihi. March 28d I.

Dear Sir

My Correspondents have bo increased latterly, which
in addition to my duty, in these unpleasant tin* ctead my

Communications to my Constituents, has prevented me from
writing to you for sometime past — your favour <>!' the 21st alt.
cam.' to hand a few days ago, and afforded me pleasure to bear
you were well, and thai my letter covering the Oertif. oi
Stork had reached you in safety — I perceive the Value oi Stocks
are affected by the very unpleasant state oi affairs with Fnu
this is to be expected in any Country, but especially in a young
Country like ours, where Capitals arc invited into a thousand other
Channels — I cannot think however things can ever become n

Derate among us as to induce a departure from the plighted
of the Govert. — It may be Possible the redemption of the 2 pC.
Capital may be diverted to more pressing objects — J say thus
much to you as I presume you may feel some anxiety on this

score — for myself I feel none, having never had one penny of

Funded debt, or Bank stock in my Life this ha- been owing to

<i thousand reason*, hut one of them aloru was sufficient viz I had
it never in my Power or inclination to purchase —

To you it is unnecessary to go into detail on the I our

affaire with France,' you (-an & have Investigated with <-"ohiess
and candour the unremitted Solicitude of tin- Govert. of the Tin-
ted States to maintain Peace A' amity with the French, while they
have been trying how far tiiey c m in ~ult Plunder A- degrade us,
hecau ere not disposed to make our Country a Tool to

Views & ambitions — I have on every occasion from the present

Revolution in France felt and expn moftl sincere hope that

l Tl e X.Y.X. <li -closures ha<l reached Philadelphia March ■">. and left
Adams' government -only p rpled Rod offended. < ; r« ■
erahet, <liar.-<i 1 1 1* - esntimenti <»t that party relative t<- that cooree <>f Ameri-
ca's relation! with Prance, in this letter he is adroitly Being the inenH from

France to justify t<> his constituents his well known anti-French attit

74 James Sprunt Historical Publications

the event might terminate speedily in a Government calculated to
make them a Free & Happy People — and while I lamented &
Shuddered at many of the transactions of that Country, I still
hoped and believed for a long time, that each of those horrid events,
would be the last act of Disgrace & Tyranny that should be com-
mitted under "Fair Liberty's sacred name" — But alas! how silly
have I been as well as thousands of others on this Subject —

Ambition, avarice, & Bloody Revenge seems now to be the order
of the Day among the Rulers of France, and these, they seem to
deal out to the Nations around as if they meant to destroy the
Wourld — Even the Peaceful and unoffending Americans must par-
take of their overflowing Wrath — our increasing Wealth & happi-
ness has become painful to them — and as we were once their
allies they seem disposed to treat us, as they have their own Coun-
try, & reduce us to a State of Poverty, & wretchedness — as they
have Holland —

With all my attachment to the Cause of the French, let me here
avow what I defy the Wourld to deny, that my Love, Veneration &
Duty to my own Country was never shaken, by the blaze of French
Victories, or any other Circumstance on earth — and I can look
back with pleasure to every Vote I gave from the days of Genet2
to the present moment, and console myself that those votes have
been in support of our own Go vert- and the genuine principles of
Neutrality that was adopted. — even in 1794 when British Depred..
had agitated & inflamed all our Minds, T had the good fortune to
be on the Side of Moderation and Neg< »ciation , tho it was then
called a Pussillanimous measure by men who now are as gentle as
Lambs in the Case of France who have denied to Negociate with
us, altho We have made two attempts.

I have taken the liberty to write of myself thus freely to you,
to whom I am in some degree accountable as a friend, and my
constituent. —

The Presidents last Message on the 19th. March exorting us to

2 Edinond Charles Genet, first minister of the French Republic to the
United States, arrived in 1793. Genet insisted upon disregarding American
neutrality between England and France ; treated President Washington in a
very boorish manner and finally forced the government to request his recall.

Jcmet Sprwni Historical ruiiiirntions

take vigorous measure tor the Defense of the Country »v Com-
merce of the Nation in case of the s. 'ailed bere a Dedara-

f War & is highly Censured by those who h i rail) op

posed every measure of the Admisn, since the Present War has
commenced in Europe While General Washington a
dent, ilic same opposition existed as does aow, for Mr Adam
adopted and avowed he will pursue the same line of Conduct &
Principles — But let it be remembered that Mr Ads
however irreproachable it certainly is, does not carry with it thai
Confedence & Veneration which was entertained for Genl. Wash-
ington's, particularly in the Southern Country It is therefi
the utmost importance .-it a time Like the present, that all men who
regard the Honour & interests of the Country, should come out
Boldly & plainly to [nculcate union, A- Cvnfide/na in tb< Govern-
ment.

I mean that union of Sentiment whereby every Man pi
himself to stand by his Country and support the National Politi-
cal institutions thereof, which secures to all in the Community
Life, Liberty, & Property— and that Honest Confidence, which
examine- and appreciates with Candour the acts of Public Men &
ires. It is Baid and believed by some, that the French have
been taught to consider us to the Southward as Devoted to their

Will, and from a persuasion of this kind they expect to Divide

Distract and Govern us — the [dee is as false as tie Degrading to
our Country, and 1 feel Confidt. If it should be ever Necessary to

Def.-nd and Protect ourselves against an Invading Enemy,
People to the South will to a man repel the Foe, whether he comes
under the name of s British, or Spanish Monarchy or a French
Republic — I have written fully to many of my friends in X. ('.

on thifl Subject, and I can not help adding that I hope a true

American Spirit of attachment and regard for our Government
may evidence itself among the People, and that they may
noble example of S m for the Constituted

authorities of their Country — If they do not, We may l>ecomethe

3 < trove in anticipating war witl) France, ■ thing narrowly averted i.y Presi-
dent Adams' neond minion t<> Frame In February, 1799. Indeed naval war
had already begun.

76 James Sprunb Historical Publications

Sport of Foreign intrigues, and intestine Broils — and the Fate of
Poland may be our Lot — If so, it were better our Ancestors had
never found this New Wourld —

Remember me to all friends, & Be assured I am
Dear Sir

Your friend

& Humble Sert.

W. B. Grove

To James Hogg.

Phila. May 29th 1798

Dear Sir

I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your several
favors of the l7h. April, 2d. & 16th. May from Fayette Ville— in
reply to the former I can assure you [One word illegible] glad to
find the affairs of our University are getting forward so cleverly —
the Friends & promoters of that Institution are the real Patriots of
No. Carolina.1

I can not but feel much satisfaction in the account I receive from
Various parts of the State, that it is likely our representation2 in
Congress will be more respectable for Talents & proper qualifica-
tions for such a Situation — I can not help thinking that one of
the greatest causes of the loss of Confidence of many in the Feder-
al government arises from that Source — How in the name of God
is any Government to act wisely, or remain Reputable in the eyes

1 Grove was a member of the Board of Trustees for the University from
1789 to 1818; his correspondent, James Hogg, was a trustee from 1789 to 1802.
Both wore deeply interested in its fortunes.

2 At the date Grove writes he was the only Federalist in Congress from
North Carolina. The French war scare and the popularity the government
derived from its prompt resentment of France's course in the X.Y.Z. affair
caused North Carolina to return four Federalists in 1799, these being Grove,
Archibald Henderson, Wm. H. Hill, and Joseph Dixon. North Carolina had
ten representatives in all at this date.

<pr>n,t I! <>n8 77

ofaJealou ftdisoerrii et If they the appoint Men

totally incapable of thinking or acting on the greal
great Nation — permit me my good. Sir, to aay, what I do, frith
sincere regret. I lament there are too many of this i on in

onncdlfl of our Country, wii«> an* nmiv tin- I: itiv- <>f

Prejudice and illiberal Suspicion, than of the true intei

sound policy of the U States. 1 will add what I am TOW JOC and
every reflecting Man in your District already knows full well, that

nember3 is not among the mott enlightened, otthe mc i nt; —

and to learn that he is likely to have a majority of the Suffragi
bo Respectables District again is certainly a singular thing, nnleaa
indeed you are Resolved to Satirize Congress as Bonn

Let me here assure you I am not actuated by Persona] feelings,
or difference in Politics to make these remark- — they spring t'nmi
a higher Motive. -

Your remarks on Mr Harpers4 speech are in a great degree ju^t
enough, but as false Religion has been made the Cloak for great

. BO has a pretended Philosiphy been the ground work oi
mischiefs — In the eyes of the discreet A: discerning, true Religion,
A reai Philosophy, should not loose any of their important A Di-
vine influence, because base men have prostituted both by
pretentions —

Your observations relative to the incorrect information on the
State of affairs among the great mass of the People, A tie
causes "tit correspond entirely with my own opinion; to find fault,
abuse, and write infamous Insinuations to Degrade our own Gov-
ernment, is the highth of some Mens Ambition, A the greatest evi-

3 Grove's party bias incapacftated him for a fair estimate of his party ap-
ts. Hif reference here is to Nathaniel BCacon, Republican representa-
tive of the Hillsboro District (Warren, Franklin, Granville, Wake, and
inties) from 1791 to isio, in the latter year entering the United
te where be served until 1828. resigning because oi advancing

Of the II .m 1801 to 1806.

Without showy <pia':* ISeSSed a keen, though jn'rhapa some-

what narn.w Intellect) and wm anqnestionab^ theableel legislators in

-s daring iii- thirty-seven years of continuous service.

Hoe Harper, an able and active Federalist member of Con-
gress fn.m South Carolina.

78 James Sprvnt Historical Publications

dence of their attention to the Happiness & interests of their Coun-
try men; — their object is to flatter the ignorant, & to increase
their own Consequence among the Malcontents; this Kind of Patri-
otic information is jumbled together in a printed Circular and sent
throughout the Country to Poison the People like the effluvia which
rises from this City in the time of a Pestilence — I now and then
get a squint at these effusions of Congressional Literature, & base-
ness — for I consider it the basest act on earth to libel and Degrade
ones own Country —

I have lately seen a printed letter of this kind by chance, sent
by a Colleague to the Western District, I say sent, for tis evidently
not penned by him — tis replete with charges & insinuations the
most false and inimical to the Union, & the Independence of
America — and to confidence in the Government of our Country
that you can Conceive, and in my opinion If the People can rely
fully and implicitly on the Information, they should resist the
authority of their own Governt. — If a Copy of this Letter can be
had it will be and must be published — and indeed I am not sure
but some further notice must be taken of it — the name of Joe
McDowell5 is annexed to the letter I allude to — and my reason for
Supposing he did not pen it, is that tis generally spelt right, & the
stile & grammer is tolerable tho this may have been done for him
by a contemptable wretch here named Calendar6 who tis said gets
his bread by writing circulers for the more illiterate Jacobin Mem-

5 Colonel Joseph McDowell is here meant. He was a Republican of the
strongest type, and representative in Congress of the Western District of
North Carolina from 1793 to 1795 and from 1797 to 1799. Colonel McDowell
was a major at the battles of Cowpens and King's Mountain ; after the Revo-
lution was often a member of the General Assembly ; was a member of the
State Constitution Convention of 1788; also a commissioner to run the divid-
ing line between North Carolina and Tennessee. He died in August, 1801.

6 James Thompson Cal lender, a Scotchman, serving as a hack writer for
the Republicans in their attacks upon the Federalist Administration . He
was frequently used even by Jefferson himself to perform unsavory political
tasks. In 1800 Callender was tried under the Sedition Law for the produc-
tion and publication of ''The Prospect Before Us," an attack upon Adams
and the administration . A line of two hundred dollars and imprisonment
for nine months failed to reform him, he devoting thf period of imprison-
ment to the production of further scurrilous pamphlets.

Spnnii 11

of Congress.

I made the enquiry you desired about M did A Edie,

and learn thai oo claims from them fore the Board— 1

few claim- are before the CommissrB., i! rmination on

these will establish the Princip will govern them on all

Similar oases, & We are in great fear that very diffei
tiona are intended to be put on the 6th. artic. of th< than

ire expected, which will have a Very unpleasant & arbitrary, nay
unjust, operation on the U. States.

I .-an assure yon that I feel much gratified thai your prospects
o Favorable from the rising Value <>f your Western Landc —

and I hope they may enable you to get through any and all old
embarrassments which has given you so much anxiety — it i
that Kentucky Lands in the old Settlenu ate arc rather on the fall,
perhaps your's may rise in proportion being on the frontier.

Your last of the 16th. from F. Ville I can not now answer, as I
have seen none of the Heirs of Mr Morriss9 to taulk to them on the
subject of your letter, but I will attend to its object. -

We had not learned by last accounts that our Commissrg1 had
left France, and We are astonished at their remaining in
Country after assurances they would leave it before now, & the
of Negotiations being Commenced is without Foundation —

I fear they have been Deluded to remain under Various

fur the UlSiduOUS purposes Of keeping alive the hope-

their friends among us, while they were preparing to take more

II t ile measures against us.

Our Coast - Bays, A month- o! Riven have bet »me time

vanning with French Picaroons <fc Privateers who tal.
Is they meet with in, or outward Bound — Our Small I
will soon be al We have Authorized the taking oYc all such

Piratical armed V( may be found on our Coast Committing

7 The Republicans were called Jacobim i>y the i ; their

■

8 Commissioners on British Debts, already Doted.

menl <>t' i I which < trove iras admit

t-.r.

10 Adams' first commission, Pinekney, Gerry, :m<l Marshall.

80 James Spnmt Historical Publications

Depredations on our Peaceful Commerce - this measure the oppo-
sition gentry have the folly & impudence to call waging war1 on
the French - thus to Defend our property & Country against the
basest plunderers, brings upon the Adminisn. the Vilest epithets -
and charges of partiality for Britain - These Gentlemen even try to
induce a Belief that all the Conversation of our Commissrs in
Paris was with a lot of Swindlers &c. &c. — & that the great
Directory had no hand in the Business —

However a Genel. Hedonville who the French have lately sent
to Command in the Ws. Indies having seen the Dispatches were
published in this Country, has written to the French Consul here,
a letter which he and their Emissaries in this Country thought
might be useful in taking off part of the odium on the French
Govert. & it has been published — but that letter Confirms if any
Confermation was wanting that the French Govert. had Resolved
to demand of us Contributions &c &c.

I shall end this letter by saying If I did not see a Spirit among
some People to prostrate our Country & its Independence to France,
I should feel no fear or apprehension from any Foreign Nation on
earth, for I verily believe we have little to fear from any Nation
except that Ambitious & avaricious quarter -

With best respects to all friends I am

Dear Sir
your friend

& Hum Sert.

W. B. Grove

To James Hogg.

Philadelphia July 8, 1798

Dear Sir

I wrote you a line immediately on the arrival of Genl.

11 Desultory naval warfare begun with France almost immediately after
the X.Y.Z. disclosures.

leal PMicaUom

M 11/ a- informed you i I ectatiorj that Q&nl

Pinckney won be with n tboul the 1 6th.

of April ami wmt to the E I iinc to

recruit the Eealth <>f hie I bare no m

of him. I earnestly wish for his arrival A Safety.

Mr (Jerry1 remained in consequence of Tallyrand's intim; •
a contrary to the opinion of his Colleagro Gtenl Pincknev's

In particular - this conduct of Mr G. bas<

more especially as tisan evidence of "the Diplomatic Skill of
ice'* to Divide and Disunite us hi- friend onfident he

will do nothing to dishonour himself, or the Nation, and yet his

obstinacy may increase out Difficulties by keeping alive the Spirit
of the Parti/ans of Fiance among us, for it begins QOH t<» appear
pretty clearly thai this Country must either become Tributary to
France, or Defend itself with Vigour a energy -The latter is cer-
tainly the Choice of all Men who regard the / nee, or rights
of a Free Peo\ie, and under this impression Congress have acted
since the Views of France have been fully unfolded - If We are
united A true to each other, We can procure Justice A- an honor-
able indemnification, A will prove t<» the World, that thoJ We are

slow to take Arm- ivm to avenge our Wrongs, yet when insull
into resentment, We will act like Men who know the Value of our
rights, & who are Resolved to Defend them at the risk of every
thing- We have greatly augmented our Maratime force, A bom
the public spirit of the monied men in the great towns, If
pected we shall add several Frigates Ac t<> our litt! private

SubscripnS. to an immense amount is obtained in Boston, X. York,
Phila. Baltimore <fec. to Build Ships to be loaned to Government -
We have authorized the increase of our Military establishment to

ten thousand Men, In addition to a Provisional Army of the same
number, & such Volunteer Corps as i nder

the 2d clause of this Law. -

1 John Marshall, of Virginia, one of the (-••iniiii - Prance, '
turned to the I

2 Elbridge Gerry, theonrj Republican
invitation of Tallyrand, French miniat

and hadsome farther aegotfotione with the French government after hie col-

82 James Sprunt Historical Publications

Need I tell you that all our preparations for Defence will require
additional funds, We shall however try to apportion the sums to
be raised in as equitable a manner as possible.

It is proposed to raise 2 Million of Dollars in the U. States on
Houses, Lands, & Negroes, the latter are to be rated at half a Dol-
lar pr head from 12 to 50 years of age - Houses & Lands are to be
valued & pay a Certain pr. Centageon their value- each State pays
their own quota, according to the Number of Inhabitants - White
Polls pay nothing.

I hoped to have been at Home before now, and {.Remainder of
letter missing.]

To James Hogg.1

have the utmost respect & Confidence in Mr H integrity & good Policy2
yet they are not so drilled as the opposition generally are, Not to
dare to express an opinion contrary to the sentiments of a Jef - - n,
a Gall - - n,3 or a Nicholas4 — Tis probable from the Divisions in
the Legislature of this State as to the mode of Electing Electors,5
that they will have no vote; The Federal Men desire that Electors

leagues had departed, thus incurring the severe displeasure of the adminis-
tration and the Federalist party generally.

1 The beginning of this letter is missing. Its precise date cannot be de-
termined, but from the content we know it to have been written a short time
before the presidential election of 1800.

2 Thomas Jefferson .

3 Albert Gallatin of Pennsylvania.

4 John Nicholas, Representative in Congress from Virginia and a staunch
Republican.

5 Grove wrote from Philadelphia. At that date, like all the other States,
three excepted, Pennsylvania chose her presidential electors in joint session
of her legislature. In 1800 the Senate being Federalist and the House Repub-
lican, there was a deadlock, the Senate hoping to defeat the will of the re-
publican majority by refusing to go into joint session, thus to prevent the
vote of the State being cast at all. A compromise was finally reached by
which Adams was given seven votes and Jefferson eight.

>rw 83

should be appointed bj e other •

want a general ticket by which Paction A party bav< iter

field to display itself, A the I' for many

M. ii they know nothing of -

¥ork appoinl by joint BaUoi and no donbl i

l»nt Mr Adam- will have the that Sta1 md

the whole of the Eastern fi andperha]

State Legislature have i1 in contemplation to
in. vt for the of Appointing the I m-

selves, to counteract the new Virginia If Maryland elect

Districts, it ill have 7 — I do hope that <>nr

■ will not he ><» completely under the guidance of her overgrown,
imperious Bister again the dupe of her Local and insinuating
intrigues ae upon a form< m ;: and tho1 Commission*

again sent to Board <\f Electors, and Coax, or

threaten them — I trust they will prove of no avail, and that every
Federal Man may be as firm as Martin, of Moore, who I hope will
be our Elector from F. Ville* again, and tho' him and myself have
to be chagrined, at hia not having ]tvi'\\ om l Sap-

taincy upon my recommendation & without his knowledge, yet T
am persuaded he is abov< .tinent on the Country, by DOt

voting for Adam - to have hem some matt

tion or mi-take, in paying that r him which his conduct

merited - I have explained the thing to him ae far ae I an
ble from the information I have had & the neglect has produced
some censutt War Depart, here, among those who the thing

has heen mentioned to - But the President knew nothing of this

matter, till latterly -

!. Pinckney,* or Major Pinckn lulkedof asVioeP-by

6 Virginia, North Carolina, and Bfary land chose electors by popular ?ote
in difltii

Ii Carolina, 66-

in the elect r90 when the North Carolina I carried

In 1804. In 1800
- electoral refferaon and Burr,

84 James Sprunt Historical Publications

the Federal side - I dont know the Genl., but what I hear he is a
man of more eclat of Character, but I am inclined to believe We
have few men in our Country possessing more of the qualities of
Washington than Major P — He is not a great Orator, but he is a
man of excellent practical sense, and Classical Education -a per-
fect Gentleman in his manners, Firm, mild, unaffected, & Dignified
in his Deportment; commanding at once respect, and Esteem from
all who are in his Company. -

It is supposed however by some that the Genl, is the most Pop-
ular, & more likely to succeed in getting Votes as he is more Per-
sonally known in many of the States, and is a very pleasant Com-
panionable Man-

As the latest European news is by the way of Charleston, I pre-
sume you will have seen the accounts before we had them here -
the only matters of importance is the new Constitun." of France;
& the Correspondence between Consul Buonaparte & Lord Gren-
ville'2 about Peace -

The Constitution seems to me to be a strange mixture of Despo-
tism, and insult offered to the nation, with Liberty equality & Re-
publicanism, hashed up in the French stile, to hide from the most
Vulgar & Ignorant, the Contemptable & deplorable Situation the
great Mass of the People are brought to by their own folly, and
the Infamous treachery of most of their Pretended Patriots - What
is to be the end of the Colossal Consul, & his Government is not
easy to conjecture in a nation like France, where nothing is to be
calculated on the ground of Reason or experience - some think He
will soon share the fate of Caesar, whilst others expect He will
become a second Cromwell, and make Crowned Heads tremble on
their throne, and renovate the energies of his Nation - It seems
from the reply of Lord Grenville, that notwithstanding the New

10 Thomas Pinckney of South Carolina, Federalist vice-presidential can-
didate in 1796 and a brother of C. C. Pinckney.

11 The French Directory was overthrown by Bonaparte in November,
1799, and the Consulate set up under a constitution that gave Bonaparte
supreme power.

12 Lord William Grenville, England's Foreign Minister in the younger
Pitt's cabinet, resigned office February 1801 ; Prime Minister 1806-1807.

King* had written in Very Battorii
land, the old fi

bhohe

in hourly i the Knvi

think it Bomewhat Strange thai It is

from the Complexion oi
encee mil led and If tin

may have a Revolution ev<
I w little Vea

Truxton*1 for having so Gallantly
a will tend more to i,
and the World, tl. whining

:• of Franco, and the inability oi" thifl (
bional rights <>n tl i-

e at night — please Remember m<
I

Dr .

Yr Humia

W B

13 A.contemp< ence to Bonaparte and option of B
ei-jn authority in Frai

14 George III.

15 T nations ultimately '•

...rul signed ut Amiens in March, 1"

16 This was Adams' fam

Ellsworth, Wm. Vans Murray, and William I

17 J litor of th

eigh in 1789 as the organ of the Republican party in North rare

18 Barry and Truxl

[hting with I'm. in 1799 and 1800 while t!

rod commission wen* under way. in ;

1 LXton, in com:

attack) ronr gnn frigate, l..:

"nt and d I pot her I

19 W
connty of th*- lower brancfa 1794, 1795 .

tary, and X North Carolina. Il»>

later removed t

86 James Sprunt Historical Publications

To James Hogg.

Raleigh 14th. March 1801

Dear Sir

Some Business led me to take Halifax in my way-
Home, that circumstance prevents me from adding to the length
of my journey by calling at your place - Before this you will have
seen Mr Jeffersons address to the public at his inauguration,1 which
many think very clever and as moderate as could be expected -

If we compare it with those writings attributed to Mr J. viz his
letter to Mazzini &c. — one of two things occurs, either that he is
a great Hypocrite, or that his Notions of our Constitution is great-
ly changed- In his letter he says "they have given us the
forms of the British Governt, & now endeavoring to give us the
Substance" -in his address our Constitution is the best & Strongest,
& the Worlds last hope &c

However, these are only trifles to the inconsistences & evidences
of Mr Jeffersons arts & machivelian policy to get at the head of
American affairs; I earnestly hope & pray we may have no worse
proofs of those arts & that policy, than his rvords & inconsistencies -

It is very certain our new Admin, have very strong prejudices
against Britain, & partiality for France, but they are aware that
tho' they expressed & inculcated those sentiments heretofore, that
now they are Responsible for the Peace of the Country, having the
direction of the Government, it will not do to indulge in those feel-
ings to the extent of their wishes, as it might endanger their Popu-
larity with the nation, who regard Peace & Commerce with our
best Customers as a primary object — this is a circumstance of
which Mr J. & his friends are fully aware of, & will tend to check
their hatred, & partiality not a little — for tho' these impressions
are strongly rooted in many of them, yet the icish & Love of Popu-

1 The Federalist party had been overturned in 1800 and Jefferson, regard-
ed by his party opponents as a rabid radieal in whose hands the fate of the
country was unsafe, was inaugurated president March 4th 1801. Grove was
correspondingly disgruntled. However, Grove was able to again effect bis
own re-election to Congress this year, but this proved to be his last term.

larity in the new Adminn. will in my Opinion ;- I ';// "'l,rr

I —

1 presume von have seen Mr Bend , yonha-Yi

rec'd from him all the news of the day that I am possessed of,
therefore I shall add nothing more at present -

The Certift. about your Funded debt, I will lorwaid you at
other time after I get borne I oould not get any Bank notes at
Washington,1 but Columbia Bank note*, and I was informed tiny
did not pass freely in this State, or to the Westward, owing to the
small Intercourse between the trading part <>f the Community &
the new City -I reed, three quartern Dividends of your Funded
debt amounting to S131 -as well as I now remember, hut when we
meet, I will furnish you with an exact acct. in the mean time I
enclose you 1109 ~ including one hank note of $10- If I am not at

your next Supr. Court, I hope to see you at Fayette -

In the mean time I am

with real regard

Dr Sir

Vr. Humhl Bert

W. B. Gbovb

To Jama Hogg,

Washington 9th. March 1802
Dear Sir

Bad anything very interesting occurred here, I

would have done myself the pleasure of troubling you with a let-
ter before now — You will have seen in the News papers, the

of Public measure under the new Admini&n.
time, and wise men, will unfold how tar some of those measures
are consistent with the Constitution a- real interests of the Nation-
To undo, much of what had been done under former Admii

der of the day'-
2 Archibald Hendenon, ot Salisbury, Representative ofl his dnstrid in

A I . Henderson also loul Msssatill 1803.

reramenl t«>«,k up it.< pefman it Washington, the

Den l rune 15, 1800.

IT!, pported by Congress, set

88 James Sprunt Historical Publications

On the arrival of the French troops at St Domingo the Blacks"
resisted their landing, & burnt & massacred all before them — the
scene must have been dredful -

It is feared here, that part of the French forces are intended for
New Orleans, as tis believed the Spaniards have ceeded that coun-
try to Buonaparte3- this apprehension gives us some uneasiness, for
all Parties seem to prefer, the indolent Aristocratic Dons for Neigh-
bors, to the Ambitious and turbulent Monsiews, notwithstanding
their high pretensions to Liberty & Republicanism.

I have reed . from Mr Hooper4 your Power of att^ to transfer your
Funded Stock to him, & the Dividends due from Jany 1800 - but
tho' the power is sufficient to transfer the Stock tis not sufficient to
receive the Dividends standing in your name — As Mr H. wishes
the Stock sold, and the Dividends received, I take the liberty to
request you to forward me by first Post, a power to draw & receive
the same, in the same form, as those you heretofore sent me, to
the end I may comply with Mr Hoopers request -I have dropped
Mr H. a line informing him of the defect in the old power in
regard to receiving the Dividends standing in your name -

I hope to get away from this place about the middle of April,
tho' I suspect Congress will not rise before the 1st. May-

Mrs Grove is pretty well, & desires me to send her respects to
you, & Complems. to you and your Household -
With real regard
I am

Dear Sir

yr Humb Ser.

W. B. Grove

the task of repealing much of the objectionable Federalist legislation effected
in its last years and months of power; among these were the Alien and Sedi-
tion Acts, the "Mid-night" Judiciary Act, etc.

2 The Island of Hayti was at this date in rebellion against French authori-
ty, the blacks being led by the famous Toussaint L'Ouverture.

8 This supposition was correct, the transfer having been made in the
treaty of San Ildefonso in the year 1800. All America was stirred by the
transfer, fear not being allayed until the territory was purchased from France
in 1803.

4 Very probably Thomas Hooper, lawyer, of Hillsboro, son of Wm.
Hooper, signer of the Declaration of Independence.

♦ BINDING LIFT JUfl 1 !flW{

F The James Sprunt studies in
251 history and political

J28 science pu

v.3-9 I ^Y

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